STS 51-L Payload (TDRS-B / IUS - Spartan-Halley)

(Challenger's Last Flight)

On January 28th, 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger was launched from KSC at 11:38 EST carrying a crew of seven including the First Teacher in Space Christa McAuliffe. Payloads included the second TDRS (B) and a free-flying craft, Spartan-203-Halley to study Halley's comet.

A failure of the O-rings on Solid Rocket Booster due to cold launch temperature led to burn through of the External Tank causing an explosion of the vehicle at 73 seconds after launch, killing the crew.

This papermodel was based on NASA photos of the real payload before launch. It is dedicated as a Tribute to the lost crew of Challenger.

" We will never forget them nor the last time we saw them that morning as they prepared for their journey and waved good-bye and "slipped the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God""

President Ronald Reagan

All TDRS Missions

© 2007 All Rights Reserved