Space Shuttle Challenger disaster: Viewers reflect on tragedy 36 years later

ORLANDO, Fla. — Friday marks 36 years since seven crew members aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger were killed in an explosion shortly after liftoff.

Astronauts Michael J. Smith, Francis R. (Dick) Scobee, Ronald E. McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Christa McAuliffe, Gregory Jarvis and Judith Resnik were all killed when the shuttle exploded during launch on Jan. 28, 1986.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Channel 9 asked its viewers on social media to share where they were when the tragedy happened. Read their responses below:

Instagram user @kathylkeyser:

“I was a senior in college watching this historic moment that turned to tragedy. It was unbelievable in watching and hard to comprehend it actually exploded.”

Photos: Remembering Challenger disaster in 35 photos

Facebook user Denise Brown:

“Lived in Orlando. Watched it through the window with coworkers. Remember it well.”

Facebook user Gordon McLaughlin:

“I was at the naval training center in Orlando fl. Watching the launch.”

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 45

Space Shuttle Challenger FILE - This photo provided by NASA shows the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger mission 51L. All seven members of the crew were killed when the shuttle exploded during launch on Jan. 28, 1986. Front row from left are Michael J. Smith, Francis R. (Dick) Scobee, and Ronald E. McNair. Front row from left are Ellison Onizuka, Christa McAuliffe, Gregory Jarvis, and Judith Resnik. (NASA via AP) (AP)

Facebook user Eileen Mulligan:

“I remember watching it with my fourth grade class.”

Add your memories by commenting on our Facebook post below:

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group