73 seconds into its flight, the NASA shuttle orbiter mission STS-51-L broke apart, killing all seven crew members, which consisted of five NASA astronauts and two payload specialists.

Approximately 17% of Americans witnessed the launch live because of the presence of Payload Specialist Christa McAuliffe, who would have been the first teacher in space.

She was selected from more than 11,000 applicants.

If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat. Just get on.

Media coverage of the accident was extensive: one study reported that 85% of Americans surveyed had heard the news within an hour of the accident.

At least some of the crew were probably alive and at least briefly conscious after the breakup, as three of the four recovered ‘Personal Egress Air Packs’ on the flight deck were found to have been activated.

The exact timing of the death of the crew is unknown. The shuttle had no escape system, and the impact of the crew compartment with the ocean surface was too violent to be survivable.

We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and slipped the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God.

When the World, leaves you feeling blue
You can count on me, I will be there for you
When it seems, all your hopes and dreams
Are a million miles away, I will re-assure you

We’ve got to all stick together
Good friends, there for each other
Never ever forget that
I’ve got you and you’ve got me, so

Reach for the stars