As the shuttle climbs higher and higher, the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) do their heavy lifting, pushing the shuttle past Earth’s gravity. But after a couple of minutes… it’s time to say goodbye! 👋 The boosters separate with a thunderous push and begin their graceful, fiery fall back to the ocean, where recovery teams are ready to catch them for reuse. 🌊♻️ Imagine something that massive floating safely back down like it’s just part of a choreographed dance in the sky! 📹 Video credit: NASA #S

The NASA space shuttle Challenger exploded 40 years ago, on January 28, 1986, just 73 seconds after liftoff. The disaster claimed the lives of all seven astronauts aboard, including Christa McAuliffe, a teacher from New Hampshire who would have been the first civilian in space. “The crew of the space shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives,” President Regan said in an address to the nation that night. “We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them,