About this episode

The episode discusses the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster and the factors leading to it.

In January 1986, the Challenger Space Shuttle was poised to make history, carrying seven astronauts, including Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher and civilian selected for space travel. The launch was part of a decade-long effort by NASA to make flights cheaper and more frequent with the use of a reusable space shuttle. But years of budget cuts and risky design choices set the stage for disaster.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

More episodes of American Scandal

• ENCORE: Challenger Disaster | Launch Day | 3 · July 21, 2026 · 37 min
• ENCORE: Challenger Disaster | Acceptable Risk | 2 · July 14, 2026 · 37 min
• Listen Now: Dan Taberski’s Manifesto · July 13, 2026 · 8 min
• Mafia Cops | The New Underworld | 5 · June 30, 2026 · 26 min
• Mafia Cops | The Rat | 4 · June 23, 2026 · 39 min
• Listen Now: Foul Play · June 22, 2026 · 7 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the American Scandal podcast page.