KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — The world was shocked and saddened 39 years ago after the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy.
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The crewed shuttle mission for NASA ended moments after the launch with a terrible mid-air explosion on Jan. 28, 1986.
The blast killed all seven crew members aboard Challenger, including teacher Christa McAuliffe, set to be one of the first “civilians” in space.
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A NASA investigation later found that cold weather and faulty O-rings on the rocket’s booster were to blame for the tragedy.
NASA recently held its “Day of Remembrance” event to mark the sacrifice of astronauts who died in pursuing space exploration.
Watch: NASA honors lives lost in space exploration at annual remembrance ceremony
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