The Challenger Space Shuttle Crash

In January 1986, the space shuttle Challenger was set for its 10th flight despite freezing conditions and engineers' concerns about the shuttle's rubber seals. The launch proceeded, but a leak in the right booster led to a catastrophic explosion. The disaster resulted in a lengthy inquiry and redesign, grounding shuttles for nearly three years.

What was one of the main concerns of the engineers before the Challenger launch?

• The weather conditions

• The weight of the shuttle

• The narrow rubber seals in the boosters

• The shuttle's fuel capacity

Who was Krista McAuliffe in the context of the Challenger mission?

• A technician monitoring the launch

• A NASA engineer

• A member of the launch staff

• Part of the Teacher in Space project

What was the management's focus that led them to overrule the engineers' concerns?

• Weather conditions

• Public relations

• Launch schedule

• Safety protocols

What anomaly was detected during the Challenger launch?

• Anomalies in the right booster

• An issue with the left booster

• A fuel leak in the main tank

• A problem with the shuttle's navigation system

What was the outcome of the Challenger disaster?

• A temporary halt in shuttle missions

• Immediate resumption of shuttle flights

• A change in the launch site

• An inquiry and redesign that grounded shuttles for almost three years