Question

What was ordinary about the Challenger mission and what was extraordinary about it?

Answer 1

The Challenger mission stands out in history due to its catastrophic failure, the loss of human lives, and the impact it had on the space agency and the nation's perception of space exploration. The subsequent investigations and reforms that followed the tragedy aimed to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of future space missions.

Answer 2

Space travel was considered so ordinary, that the Challenger seven wore little more than blue coveralls and skimpy motorcycle-type helmets for takeoff. Because of its early loss, Challenger was the only Space Shuttle that never wore the NASA "meatball" logo, and was never modified with the MEDS "glass cockpit".