Challenger Mission Quiz

Why was the Challenger mission in 1986 so special?

• It was the first space shuttle launch.

• It was going to carry a teacher into space.

• It was the longest space mission ever.

• It was the first shuttle to go to the moon.

Who was the teacher chosen to go into space on the Challenger?

• Sally Ride

• Neil Armstrong

• Christa McAuliffe

• Buzz Aldrin

What was the main weather problem on the day of the Challenger launch?

• It was raining heavily.

• It was very cold.

• There was a thunderstorm.

• It was too hot.

What caused concern about launching the Challenger in freezing air?

• It might snow during the launch.

• The shuttle might slip on ice.

• The cold air could affect the rocket’s parts.

• The shuttle might get stuck in the clouds.

What happened to the Challenger after liftoff?

• It made it safely to space.

• It exploded shortly after liftoff.

• It landed back on Earth.

• It lost contact with NASA but was found.

What did engineers find on rockets pulled from the ocean that concerned them?

• Cracks on the metal

• Burn marks

• Rust

• Ice

Why do you think Lawrence Mulloy said cold air wouldn’t be a problem?

• He thought it would be too hot instead.

• He wanted to keep everyone confident about the launch.

• He knew the air was getting warmer.

• He didn’t think the launch would happen.

What did NASA do after the Challenger disaster?

• They canceled all future launches.

• They improved safety rules and testing.

• They changed the shuttle's color.

• They launched another shuttle right away.

Why was the investigation into the Challenger disaster important?

• It found a way to build a faster shuttle.

• It helped NASA fix problems to prevent future accidents.

• It stopped NASA from sending people to space.

• It helped the Challenger crew land safely.

What lesson did NASA learn from the Challenger disaster?

• They needed more rockets.

• Communication and safety checks are important.

• Weather doesn’t affect space launches.

• Space missions are not worth the risk.