Q: What happened on January 28, 1986?

A: On January 28, 1986, the NASA's Space Shuttle Challenger broke up 73 seconds after liftoff and all seven crew members were killed.

Q: How many flights had the Space Shuttle completed prior to the disaster?

A: Prior to the disaster, the Space Shuttle had completed 25 flights.

Q: What caused the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger?

A: The cause of the explosion was a part called an O-ring that broke in the right solid rocket booster. During flight, hot gases escaped from this O-ring and made it break apart.

Q: How long did shuttles stop flying for after this incident?

A: Shuttles stopped flying for two and a half years following this incident.

Q: What is an O-ring?

A: An O-ring is a mechanical gasket in a shape of a ring which is used as a seal between two or more parts in order to prevent leakage or escape of fluid or gas.

Q: Where was the O-ring located on the Space Shuttle Challenger?

A: The O-ring was located on the right solid rocket booster of the Space Shuttle Challenger.