Status: 11/11/2022 8:32 a.m
36 years after the Challenger accident, divers in the Atlantic have found a large piece of debris from the space shuttle. The Challenger exploded shortly after takeoff in 1986.
A large piece of debris from the US space shuttle “Challenger” that crashed in 1986 has been discovered at the bottom of the Atlantic. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center announced the discovery. “On first hearing, it takes you back to 1986,” said Michael Ciannilli, who is responsible for the remains of the two lost space shuttles “Challenger” and “Columbia” at NASA.
The discovery is a chance to commemorate the seven victims and how this tragedy changed everyone, NASA chief Bill Nelson said on the NASA website.
Discovery by divers of a TV documentary
It is one of the largest pieces of debris found in the decades after the crash. The find measures more than 4.5 by 4.5 meters and is probably even larger – the debris is partially covered with sand.
It was reportedly discovered in March by divers for a TV documentary looking for the wreckage of a World War II plane. NASA recently confirmed on the basis of recordings that it is part of the “Challenger”.
The space shuttle Challenger broke apart shortly after launch on January 28, 1986.
Image: AP
Remnants of the space shuttle remain in the Atlantic
While NASA debates next steps, the remains of the space shuttle remain at sea off the coast of Florida, near Cape Canaveral. It remains owned by the US government. Ciannilli said the families of all crew members at the time had been notified.
The space shuttle broke apart shortly after launch on January 28, 1986. All seven people on board perished, including Christa McAuliffe, who should have been the first teacher to fly into space.