# Challenger explosion

- By: Kennedy Space Center
- Date: Taken on 28 January 1986
- Classification: Photograph
- Credit line: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa2explore/10697912315/in/album-72157630719371642/
- Museum: [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Challenger_explosion.jpg)
- Rights: Public domain
- Picture: https://invisiblenetwork.ai/thumbs/commons/thumb/9/9f/Challenger_explosion.jpg/1920px-Challenger_explosion.jpg
- Who can see it: Teens profiles and older (museums give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the museum's own words)

Short Description: Space Shuttle Challenger explodes shortly after take-off.

Full Description: On January 28, 1986, the Challenger space shuttle and her seven-member crew were lost when a ruptured O-ring in the right solid rocket booster caused an explosion soon after launch. This photograph, taken a few seconds after the accident, shows the main engines and solid rocket booster exhaust plumes entwined around a ball of gas from the external tank. Because shuttle launches had become almost routine after 24 successful missions, those watching the shuttle launch in person and on television found the sight of the explosion especially shocking and difficult to believe until NASA confirmed the accident.

Image # : 86-HC-220

Title: Exhaust Trail of STS-51-L