C33089-18, President Reagan and his staff watch televised replay of the Space Shuttle "Challenger" explosion in the oval office study. From left to right: Larry Speakes, Dennis Thomas, Jim Kuhn, President Reagan, Pat Buchanan, Don Regan. 01/28/1986. Reagan White House Photographs; White House Photographic Collection; Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Challenger Disaster
January 28, 1986
On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart only 73 seconds into STS-51-L, its 10th mission. This flight had significant media attention on it due to the particpation of Christa McAuliffe as part of the Teacher in Space Project. The Reagan Library has artifacts sent to President Reagan after the Challenger disaster, as well as pieces related to the Challenger and the Space Shuttle program.
Related Links
Additional Reagan Library archival holdings available at: Topic Guide-Challenger Disaster
Speech: Address to the Nation on the Explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger January 28, 1986
Virtual Exhibit: In Memoriam: The Challenger Seven