US to mark 20th anniversary of Challenger shuttle disaster

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2006

CAPE CANAVERAL, United States (AFP) — The US space agency will mark the 20th anniversary of the Challenger shuttle disaster in a solemn ceremony with the fallen astronauts' families at the scene of the tragedy.

A black granite monument bearing the names of the 24 astronauts who have died since 1964 will serve as the backdrop for the ceremony on Saturday at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, the site of the doomed launch.

Seven crew members, including high school teacher Christa McAuliffe, died when the Challenger exploded before the eyes of the world in the live broadcast of the January 28, 1986 liftoff.

The disaster turned into a national trauma ingrained in the country's memory, much like president John F. Kennedy's assassination 23 years...