How long after liftoff did the Space Shuttle Challenger break up?
Answer
Approximately 73 seconds.
The structural failure of the Space Shuttle Challenger on mission STS-51L propagated with astonishing speed. The breach caused by the faulty O-ring seal in the right Solid Rocket Booster led to a rapid compromise of the external tank. The vehicle was torn apart by a combination of internal pressure and external aerodynamic stress within approximately 73 seconds of clearing the launch tower, resulting in a violent and immediate visual catastrophe while the shuttle was still accelerating rapidly.
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