PadreSJ

I watched the Challenger launch live with my classmates.

It was such an exciting time, to feel as if "space travel for all" was right around the corner.

There was nervous energy, then cheers & tears of joy

... then silence, shock, disbelief.

Tears of a different kind.

Jan 28, 2023 at 7:52pmWeb
Show threadJay BarceloJan 28, 2023
@PadreSJ I have been watching Shuttle launches since STS-1. I skipped school that day to watch 51L, a day I still remember today!
Show threadPorkchop D. ClownJan 28, 2023
@PadreSJ I was an intern at a company doing IT when I saw it on a TV hanging over receptionist's head. I can't think of any words that would describe how I felt that wouldn't sound stupid and trite. I was completely stunned.
Show threadPhiendJan 28, 2023
@PadreSJ
Same story, I was in 4th grade. I remember walking home after being released early and hoping I would find the crew cabin on my way home with everyone ok inside. The naivety of youth. I still tear up a bit when I see video of it.
Show threadTechGuyDomJan 28, 2023
@PadreSJ I remember I was sitting at home watching the launch since school was cancelled that day due to weather. One of those events we will probably always remember and know exactly what we were doing.
Show threadOrinJan 29, 2023
@PadreSJ I was in grade 7 watching it sick at home.
Show threadGary KeithJan 29, 2023
@PadreSJ For some reason I no longer remember my then 30 year old self was visiting my mother. I was sitting on her bed watching CNN while she was getting dressed out of sight of the TV. When I saw Challenger explode I called out, “The shuttle just exploded!” I forget her exact words and I said, “No really, it literally just exploded! Come out here and see for yourself.” She did and then we commiserated together.
Show threadProfessor TootsJan 29, 2023
@PadreSJ Same. I had no idea how to process such a thing and resorted to a joke. Emotional maturation was a slow process for me.
Show threadCarl VernetJan 31, 2023

@PadreSJ That day, I was an observer at the MCC at Johnson Space Center in Houston.I was developing the SW Support Environment for ISS & so I wanted to observe operations.

First their were cheers, then quiet followed by "what happened" & then tears.