At approximately what altitude did the Challenger stack experience disintegration during the flight of STS-51L?
Answer
14,000 meters (46,000 feet)
The catastrophic breakup of the Space Shuttle Challenger occurred when the vehicle had reached an altitude of approximately 14,000 meters, which is equivalent to 46,000 feet above the ground. This event took place shortly after the flight computers commanded the engines to throttle up, following the successful navigation through the period of maximum aerodynamic pressure (Max-Q). The structural failure initiated by the SRB joint breach led to the immediate collapse of the external fuel tank at this altitude, resulting in the swift destruction of the orbiter.
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