385K views · 3.2K reactions | What caused the catastrophic failure of the Space Shuttle Challenger on the morning of #ThisDayInHistory in 1986? From a technical perspective, experts cite lower-than-expected launch temperatures at Florida’s Cape Canaveral, which caused a rubber part to malfunction. But as a broader investigation would reveal, the tragedy could have been avoided. To learn more, visit: https://www.history.com/news/how-the-challenger-disaster-changed-nasa | HISTORY | Facebook

On February 1, 2003, NASA’s Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart during re-entry, just 16 minutes before landing. The hidden damage from launch — a small hole in the left wing caused by falling foam — turned deadly as superheated air entered at over 1,650°C, ripping the shuttle apart over Texas skies. Among the seven astronauts who perished was Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian origin in space, whose legacy continues to inspire millions. This video explains the step-by-step events of that

2.2M views · 31K reactions | On January 28th, 1986 the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded and broke apart on take off. This week, Destruction Decoded explores the top 10 most dramatic space accidents, from Baikonur to Cape Canaveral. Watch Destruction Decoded on Wednesdays at 8pm, on National Geographic UK. | National Geographic UK | Facebook