"Report of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident"

The "Report of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident" is an official investigation released in 1986 that examined why the Challenger shuttle exploded shortly after launch. It identified that a rubber O-ring seal in a booster rocket failed in cold temperatures, allowing hot gases to escape and damage the external fuel tank. This failure led to the shuttle breaking apart mid-air, tragically killing all seven crew members. The report highlighted issues in engineering, decision-making, and communication, recommending improvements to safety protocols and design to prevent future accidents and enhance the safety of space shuttle missions.