Watch Challenger: Countdown to Disaster

Challenger: Countdown to Disaster is a documentary series from Channel 4 that explores the events leading up to the tragic explosion of the Challenger Space Shuttle in 1986. In this six-part series, the series delves into the backstory of the accident and provides a detailed examination of the factors that contributed to the disaster.

The first episode of the show sets the scene, providing an overview of the history of the space shuttle program and how the Challenger mission came about. We learn about the crew - including the first private citizen, Christa McAuliffe, to go into space - and the excitement that was building in America in the lead up to the launch.

The second episode focuses on the technical issues that were present in the shuttle and the decision-making process that led to the launch despite warnings from engineers that the O-ring seals in the shuttle's boosters were a potential danger. The episode examines the culture of NASA at the time and the pressure that was put on engineers to meet launch deadlines.

The third episode looks at the political context of the time and how the Challenger mission was part of a larger effort by the Reagan administration to bolster American patriotism in the face of criticism about the country's foreign policy. The episode shows how the launch was broadcast live on television, with millions of Americans tuning in to watch.

The fourth episode provides a forensic analysis of the actual explosion and assesses the various theories about what went wrong. Using archival footage and interviews with experts in the field, the episode pieces together a picture of the events that took place and the devastating consequences of the accident.

The fifth episode examines the aftermath of the disaster, including the emotional toll it took on the families of the crew and the impact it had on the future of the space program. The episode explores the investigations that took place in the wake of the explosion and how the lessons learned paved the way for changes in the way NASA operated.

The final episode of the series reflects on the legacy of the Challenger disaster and examines how it continues to shape the way we think about space exploration. The episode looks at the strides that have been made in space travel since the accident and the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by the Challenger crew.

Overall, Challenger: Countdown to Disaster is a thought-provoking and poignant series that provides a comprehensive look at one of the most tragic events in the history of space exploration. The show is well-researched, with a wealth of archival footage and insightful interviews with experts in the field. The series provides a timely reminder of the importance of safety and the potential consequences of cutting corners in pursuit of ambitious goals.

Challenger: Countdown to Disaster is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (2 episodes). The series first aired on .