The Challenger disaster

1 Smoke from the solid rocket boosters

Just 0.678 seconds after ignition a strong puff of grey smoke whispered away from the lower portion of the right-hand solid rocket booster (SRB).

2 Flames bursting through the booster's side

After 58.788 seconds, the first flame could be seen. There had been an issue with grease, joint insulation and a rubber O-ring seal, but now escaping gas was being burned.

3 Flames become very noticeable

Up until now the smoke and flames could only be detected by automatic launch cameras but, at 59.262 seconds, it had developed into a well-defined and continuous flame.

4 Getting even hotter

The external fuel tank held 383,066 gallons (1,450,063 litres) of liquid hydrogen and 143,060 gallons (541,541 litres) of liquid oxygen. The flames licked against the tank and pushed against a strut. The temperature was around 3,038°C (5,500°F).

5

Mixing with liquid hydrogen

The flame changed colour as it burned through the strut and mixed with liquid hydrogen. A glowing light could be seen between the Challenger's black tiles and the external tank.

6 Out-of-control booster At 72.20 seconds the lower strut broke away from the right SRB and the external tank. The booster then swivelled into Challenger's wing.

7 Causing an explosion Now, just a second later, the heat caused the hydrogen tank to burst. The oxygen tank also ruptured, and when they collided there was a massive explosion.

8 Crew compartment lands in the ocean

Less than four minutes after launch, the crew compartment of the Challenger spacecraft crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. Everyone on board died.