“On this day in 1986, the Challenger space shuttle broke apart just 73 seconds after liftoff — a national tragedy witnessed live by millions.” On January 28, 1986, NASA’s Space Shuttle Challenger tragically exploded just 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven astronauts on board, including schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe. The disaster was broadcast live on national television, deeply shocking the nation and leading to major investigations and changes in NASA’s safety protocols. #trending #tr

On January 28, 1986, the NASA space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after lift-off from Cape Canaveral, killing all seven crew members. It has been called the worst moment in the history of the American space program. #9News | 9 News

Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after launch. Today we remember seven crew members whose lives were taken during the disaster. | WESH 2 News

On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds into its flight, killing all seven crew members aboard. | AARP Arizona

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Today marks 33 years since the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded, killing all seven crew members on board. “It happened just over one minute into flight,” NBC’s Dan Molina reported that day on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt. “From mission control: silence.” | NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas