Kind of sad yet kind of cool seeing Challenger completing her missions. The name usually only conjures up images of the tragedy, but Challenger was a workhorse of the fleet and the second shuttle built.
Don't be sad about Challenger. She did what she had to do during her short life. Be sad for NASA's decision making - which ultimately cost 14 astronuauts and 2 orbiters! Both accidents were due to bad decisions making -even worst, both could have been prevented.
STS-5 (November 11-16, 1982) Columbia Crew: Vance Brand, Robert Overmyer, William Lenior, Joseph Allen STS-6 (April 4-9, 1983) Challenger Crew: Paul Weitz, Karol Bobko, Story Musgrave, Donald Peterson STS-7 (June 18-24, 1983) Challenger Crew: Robert Crippen, Frederick Hauck, John Fabian, Sally Ride, Norman Thagard STS-8 (August 30-September 5, 1983) Challenger Crew: Richard Truly, Daniel Brandenstein, Guion Bluford, Dale Gardner, William Thornton
Whilst the shuttle did fall short in some expectations, it was a remarkable vehicle nonetheless and still achieved some amazing feats. It was one of a kind.
Note: A planned spacewalk for STS-5 by William Lenoir and Joseph Allen to test the new space shuttle spacesuits was canceled because of spacesuit problems.
As a 48 year old Canadian guy it’s sad to see that the power of NASA has lost so much. I remember as a kid my parents would take me to vacation in Florida every year and they would time it around the shuttle flights, I miss it so much.
