STS-51-L mission

STS-51-L was the space shuttle Challenger's final mission, launched in January 1986. Its goal was to deploy satellites and conduct scientific experiments, including a study of the Earth's atmosphere. Tragically, just 73 seconds after liftoff, the shuttle disintegrated due to a failure in its solid rocket boosters, caused by O-ring seal damage in cold temperatures. All seven crew members lost their lives. The accident led to a major re-evaluation of space shuttle safety protocols and policy changes to improve crew safety in future missions.