NASA marks 40th anniversary of Challenger accident with families

Families and officials gathered at Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 22 to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1986 Challenger accident; speakers noted that cold-weakened O-ring seals and organizational failings contributed and said those lessons remain relevant.

Families of the astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger accident gathered at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Jan. 22 for a memorial marking the 40th anniversary. Relatives, former teacher-in-space contenders and agency leaders attended and placed flowers at the Astronaut Memorial. Speakers recalled the shuttle breakup shortly after liftoff and referenced technical and cultural factors that investigators identified. NASA officials said the lessons remain important as rocket activity increases and future missions approach. Key points: - The memorial took place at Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 22 and included family members, former colleagues and retired teacher-in-space finalists. - All seven Challenger crew members were killed when the shuttle broke apart following liftoff in 1986. - Officials said bitter cold weakened O-ring seals in a solid rocket booster and that organizational shortcomings also contributed to the accident. - The Astronaut Memorial bears the names of Challenger, Columbia and Apollo 1 crews, and related ceremonies were held at Arlington National Cemetery and Houston's Johnson Space Center. Summary: Officials and family members marked the 40th anniversary with remembrances at Kennedy and at other NASA sites, emphasizing the causes investigators cited and the continuing attention to safety. NASA leaders noted that those lessons are relevant as launch activity increases and the next moon mission is weeks away.