25 years since Shuttle Challenger tragedy

[gary]

Story here -
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/nasa-marks-25th-anniversary-of-challenger-tragedy-20110128-1a77z.html

[ngcles]

Hi Gary & All,

Gosh I can't believe it has been that long.

Off the top of my head I would've said maybe ... 15 years. But 25 ...? Time flies when you're having fun.


Best,

Les D

[gary]

Hi Les,

I know what you mean. Time goes so quick.

It is also one of those events that when you first learn of, you can
remember exactly where you were at the time.

When launches were routinely televised live in Australia, I use to stay up
and watch them. In the case of the Challenger tragedy, I was traveling at
the time and still vividly remember the shock of first learning of it when I
spotted the pictures on the cover of papers in the news stands in the streets
of Bordeaux on a bleak and rainy day.

[kinetic]

I agree Gary...

I used to routinely check in a try and listen or view launches but
can remember missing this one and checking in the nest day to
hear the terrible news on the radio....I was so upset, it was almost
like a personal loss to me.
I can't believe more than half my life has passed by since then!

Steve

[hotspur]

Yes,one of those moments,you always remember so vividly what you were doing at the time.when you first heard about it.

Was, and still is very sad.These vehicles and the people who work in them are most amazing,I think the space shuttle is due to retired very soon.I hope the new version has a long a successful life.

Are there any pictures anywhere of what the new shuttle looks like?

Chris

[astroron]

Thanks Gary, It is really hard to think that it is that long ago:eyepop:
A very sad day for the USA and the world and a big set back for astronomy, with the delay of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope.
Cheers

[kustard]

I remember it well, it was the day before the first day of when I started Year 11. My sister was going out with a guy from the US at the time and he was getting news (and unfortunate jokes) from his family in the States.

[wavelandscott]

It sure does not seem like it was that long ago...

I was wondering how different things might be for the US space program and NASA if this had not happened...would we be closer to a Moon base, Mars or mining Asteroids?

[Kevnool]

Same thoughts here.

I just cant believe its that far back.

Boy how time slips by.

Cheers Kev.