Watch Challenger Accident Investigation [NASA Program]

Challenger Accident Investigation is a documentary series that explores the tragic events that took place on January 28, 1986 when Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated just 73 seconds into its flight. All seven crew members lost their lives in the disaster, which shocked the world and led to a suspension of the NASA space shuttle program for more than two years.

The documentary series provides a comprehensive account of the tragedy, examining the events leading up to the accident and the subsequent investigation into its causes. Drawing on eyewitness accounts, archival footage, and expert analysis, the series offers a deep dive into the technical and cultural factors that contributed to the disaster.

The first episode of the series focuses on the build-up to the shuttle launch and the decision-making processes that led to the fateful flight. It explores the challenges of the NASA program at the time, including the pressure to keep up with the Soviet Union's space program, budget constraints, and a culture of risk-taking within NASA. The episode introduces viewers to the crew members who lost their lives in the accident, highlighting their achievements and aspirations.

The subsequent episodes delve into the investigation into the Challenger disaster, examining the forensic evidence that was collected in the aftermath of the accident. The series documents the painstaking process of piecing together the sequence of events that led to the explosion, from the faulty O-ring that caused the fuel leak to the chain reaction of failures that followed.

The series goes beyond the purely technical aspects of the investigation, however, probing the institutional and social factors that contributed to the tragedy. It explores the ways in which groupthink, communication breakdowns, and the reluctance of NASA officials to acknowledge potential problems all played a role in the disaster. The documentary also sheds light on the attempts by NASA officials to downplay the severity of the incident and prevent a public outcry.

Throughout the series, viewers are introduced to a range of experts who provide insights into the accident and its causes. These include astronauts, engineers, scientists, and other key figures who played a role in the investigation. The series offers a detailed and nuanced account of the disaster, framing it within the broader context of the history of the NASA program and the challenges of space exploration more broadly.

Overall, Challenger Accident Investigation is a deeply compelling and informative documentary series. It offers a detailed account of one of the most tragic events in the history of space exploration, shedding light on the technical, institutional, and social factors that contributed to the disaster. The series is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of NASA and the challenges of space exploration, as well as those interested in exploring the limits of human achievement and the tragic consequences that can arise when things go wrong.

Challenger Accident Investigation [NASA Program] is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 45 minutes.