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Space Shuttle Challenger: Where Were You During Challenger Explosion?
Where were you during Space Shuttle Challenger explosion?
Today is January 28th, 2011, which also happens to be the 25th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Twenty-five years ago today, the Space Shuttle Challenger took off from the Kennedy Space Center, only to explode a mere 73 seconds after it took off. The Challenger disaster killed seven astronauts, including beloved school teacher, Christa McAuliffe.
Where were you during the Challenger explosion? Do you remember watching it happen on TV?
The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster is one of those epic moments in history that is ingrained in my memory. I will always remember sitting in the library of my elementary school as the TV was wheeled in for us to watch the Challenger launch. I was eight years old, and honestly, when I saw the Challenger explosion on the television set, I really had no idea what had happened.
I could see the looks of panic and distress on the faces of my teachers, and realized that the huge puff of smoke I was seeing on the screen was not supposed to be there. One of them abruptly shut off the television, and we were ushered quickly out of the library and back to our classrooms.
On the 25th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy, we should all take a moment to remember the seven people who lost their lives. My thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones today.
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13 Comments
Kara B. commented on Jan 28 11 at 10:48 amI was 17 years old. I volunteered with Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. I was pulling into the parking lot about to start my 4 hour shift when the news came over the radio. As I walked into the hospital lobby, I could see the despair on everyone’s faces. It was a shock to everyone. I watched it over and over on the news when I got home. No one could believe their eyes. Flabbergasted is an understatement. There were several candle light vigils held with prayer for the families of those that perished. I am 41 today and I can still feel the shock that I had when learning of the horrible tragedy.
Arrgy commented on Jan 28 11 at 12:07 pmI was in Hollywood, Fl. It was 40 degrees. I remember them saying they couldn’t launch below 42 degrees or the O-rings wouldn’t seal. They negligently launched when it was 42, 100 miles south! They killed those people!
joetote commented on Jan 28 11 at 12:57 pmI was sitting in a lawn chair in the parking lot at Tampa Jai Alai with about ten people. We had a clear view of the liftoff. I’ll never forget the gasp from everyone when the explosion occurred and we saw it split like a set of horns on top. I had binoculars and was able to see separate pieces falling. The tears were rolling from everyone’s eyes and for close to 3 minutes there was utter silence. It’s like it was yesterday.
shane holdaway commented on Jan 28 11 at 1:10 pmI was 11 years old watching the launch in school. everyone was very excited about it because of Christa McAuliffe being a teacher and going into space. I remember the t.v showing replay after replay it was very disturbing the image of the accident is going to be with me always.
Fadra commented on Jan 29 11 at 12:11 pmI was in 10th grade geometry when my friend walked in and asked, “Did you were what happened to the Space Shuttle?” I said “No, what?” He said “It blew up.” I was waiting for the punchline. It sounded like a joke. I had a really hard time comprehending it. Since then, I’ve visited the Kennedy Space Center and the memorial to all the astronauts that have lost their lives is really overwhelming.
Jkskd commented on Mar 31 11 at 2:42 pmI wasn’t born yet
Phil commented on Apr 12 11 at 4:33 pmI was delivering packages for Roadway Package System in Athol Mass and stopped to deliver to the Athol Appliance store on Main st and the Owners wife was there alone and asked if i wanted to watch the launch with her, which i did. We both were stricken by the tradegy and i had to hild her since she was breaking down bad. She was an older woman in her 60′s at the time. I remeber her shaking in my arms like it was yesterday. It’s giving me chills remembering it as i type.
adam commented on May 07 11 at 7:13 pmi wasnt born yet but i was terrified when i saw it on video
Jay commented on Jul 27 11 at 3:23 amI was 6 watching it at home on my lunch break. Never forgot it since.
ramniksingh commented on Aug 15 11 at 7:36 amit was shocking and i pray good and lot happinesses in the life of their belongings
steven harn commented on Sep 01 11 at 4:02 pmI was at Rockwell Int. IN Downey CA. watching the launch on a big screen with the rest of the people who built all the space shuttels.
Laura Tippetts Burrows commented on Jan 28 12 at 1:37 pmI was in the debate room at Hillcrest High School in Midvale, Utah sluffing an assembly, playing cards and talking politics with my friends.
Frank J Feltes commented on May 18 12 at 3:35 pmI was just 36 when this disaster took place and working an off shift which gave me time to watch. I remember watching every flight, from the first apollo flight to the last, but the challenger disaster was the worst. It is true that this is something that no one young or old will ever forget.
God bless those brave soles,
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