Challenger (STS-51-L)

STS-51-L was the Space Shuttle Challenger's final flight, launched in January 1986. It was intended to deploy satellites and conduct scientific experiments. Tragically, just 73 seconds after liftoff, the shuttle disintegrated due to a failure in a booster rocket’s O-ring seal, which caused hot gases to escape and damage the external fuel tank. This led to the destruction of the vehicle and the loss of all seven crew members. The disaster highlighted the importance of safety protocols and engineering oversight in space exploration and led to significant changes in NASA’s safety procedures.