Space Shuttle Disaster: The Tragic Mission of the Challenger (American Space Missions: Astronauts, Exploration, and Discovery)

On the frigid morning of January 28, 1986, the space shuttle CHALLENGER rumbled off the launchpad at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Brilliant orange flames and clouds of smoke billowed out of the external fuel tank, lifting CHALLENGER high into the crystal-blue sky. The mission had attracted worldwide attention. NASA was sending the first teacher, Christa McAuliffe, into space. Crowds gathered to watch the launch, and millions tuned in on television. But less than two minutes into the mission, CHALLENGER exploded in midair, and the historic day ended in tragedy. Author Henry M. Holden takes an in-depth look at this space shuttle disaster.

Gr 4-6-The differences between the previous series, "Countdown to Space" and "Space Flight Adventures and Disasters," and these updated versions would appear to be the inclusion of more recent events in the field, updated website listings, and superior photography. All of the books reflect careful research and meticulous attention to detail. Eye on the Universe discusses the initial difficulties with the Hubble telescope and the missions that repaired it, allowing scientists to see planets in galaxies 13 billion light years away. Coolest Job focuses on the construction of the ISS, what life is like onboard, and the importance of the research projects conducted. Danger in Space chronicles the drama of the Apollo 13 mission, whose goal of a Moon landing changed to one of survival. Space Shuttle Disaster deals with the tragedy up front, and then backtracks to the causes. Spacewalk explains how this event paved the way for missions to the Moon, and Walking on the Moon relives that momentous event. Throughout, the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the astronauts are emphasized. The texts are not bogged down with excessive scientific terminology.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.