Local Hero Remembered: New Book Revisits Challenger Disaster and Its Impact

\'Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space\' examines the Challenger disaster of January 28, 1986. The book details how the space shuttle broke apart seventy-three seconds after launch, resulting in the death of all seven crew members. This event is a significant part of 20th-century American history, witnessed by millions.

The narrative is built on new archival research and detailed reporting. It profiles the seven crew members, including Christa McAuliffe, a schoolteacher from New Hampshire, focusing on their personal and professional backgrounds before the mission.

The author discusses the space shuttle program's context, emphasizing the technological ambitions and political pressures of the time. The book critiques the cost-cutting and political decisions that prioritized national prestige, which played a role in the disaster.

The investigation following the disaster is also covered, highlighting the role of whistleblowers and leakers in seeking accountability. The book points out the warning signs that were overlooked or concealed, adding to the tragedy's preventability.

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