America marks 30 years since loss of Challenger space shuttle

Thirty years ago, the first US teacher was sent to space on Mission STS-51-L. She

JUST 73 seconds into take off, Space Shuttle Challenger’s pilot Mike Smith uttered the words, ‘Uh Oh.’ He was never heard from again.

On January 28, 1986, 30 years ago this month the NASA space shuttle Challenger disintegrated shortly after take-off. All seven of Challenger’s crew died, with the tragedy having a major impact in America and throughout the world. Upwards of 17% of the American public watched the launch because of one significant crew member, Christa McAuliffe. McAuliffe was to be the first teacher in space.