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Challenger: The Final Flight · S1 · E3

A Major Malfunction

  • TV-14
  • Sep 16, 2020
  • 41 min
  • 7.8

After several delays, the crew prepares for launch as engineers and NASA officials tensely discuss concerns about the O-rings and a cold weather launch.

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About this episode

After several delays, the crew prepares for launch as engineers and NASA officials tensely discuss concerns about the O-rings and a cold weather launch.

Season 1

4 episodes

  1. 1Space for Everyone

    44 minSep 16, 2020★ 7.6

    The new Space Shuttle program captivates America and draws a diverse, determined crop of astronauts. But safety issues arise out of public view.

  2. 2HELP!

    42 minSep 16, 2020★ 7.7

    To revive public interest, NASA chooses teacher Christa McAuliffe to be the first civilian on the Shuttle. Issues with the solid rocket boosters linger.

  3. 3A Major Malfunction

    41 minSep 16, 2020★ 7.8Now viewing

    After several delays, the crew prepares for launch as engineers and NASA officials tensely discuss concerns about the O-rings and a cold weather launch.

  4. 4Nothing Ends Here

    53 minSep 16, 2020★ 8.0

    Challenger's shocking explosion devastates the families of the crew as well as millions watching live, and an investigation puts NASA on the defensive.

Guest stars

Peter BillingsleySelf - Spokesperson, Young Astronaut Program
June Scobee RodgersSelf - Wife of Francis "Dick" Scobee
William HarwoodSelf - Cape Canaveral Bureau Chief, UPI (1984-1992)
Frederick GregorySelf - Astronaut, NASA (1978-1993)
John ZarrellaSelf - Correspondent, CNN (1983-2014)
Richard O. CoveySelf - Astronaut, NASA (1978-1994)
Steve NesbittSelf - Public Affairs Officer, NASA (1980-2010)
Allan McDonaldSelf - Director, Solid Rocket Booster Program (1984-1989), Morton Thiokol Corp.
Barbara MorganSelf - Teacher
Lisa BristolSelf - Sister of Christa McAuliffe
Marcia JarvisSelf - Wife of Gregory Jarvis
Brian RussellSelf - Engineer, Solid Rocket Booster Program (1977-2015), Morton Thiokol Corp.
Jane Smith-WolcottSelf - Wife of Michael J. Smith
Arnold AldrichSelf - Manager, NASA Shuttle Program (1985-1986)
Joseph KilminsterSelf - Vice President, Solid Rocket Booster Program (1983-1986), Morton Thiokol Corp.
Lawrence MulloySelf - Manager, NASA (1982-1986), Marshall Space Flight Center