Dec 4, 2021
STS-51L by NASA on The Commons on Flickr.
STS-51L was the final mission for the Challenger Space Shuttle due to the failure and subsequent explosion of the Right Solid Rocket Booster. Just seconds into the flight it was noticed on video that thick smoke was coming from the Right Solid Rocket Booster. The O-Ring and grease in the joint was being bunt away by the high temperatures in booster. At the 72 second mark the booster failed and ignited an explosive burn of the external fuel tank, ending the mission and tragically taking the lives of all astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Challenger.