| Challenger: The Final Flight | |
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 Promotional poster | |
| Genre | Docuseries[1] |
| Developed by |
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| Directed by |
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| Music by | Jeff Beal |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of episodes | 4 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Producers |
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| Cinematography | Graham Willoughby |
| Editors |
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| Running time | 41–52 minutes[2] |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | September 16, 2020 (2020-09-16) |
Challenger: The Final Flight is a 2020 American docuseries developed byGlen Zipper and Steven Leckart forNetflix.[3] It focuses on theSpace ShuttleChallenger disaster, including the build-up to the flight, interviews with key individuals and fallout from the disaster.
The series was released on Netflix on September 16, 2020.[4]
| No. | Title | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Space for Everyone" | September 16, 2020 (2020-09-16) | |
PresidentNixon authorizes theSpace Shuttle, areusable spacecraft that will transform the space frontier. Following a positive campaign,NASA introduces adiverse group of 35 astronaut candidates. Thousands witnessColumbia'sfirst launch, thefirst American spaceflight in six years. However, an ongoing problem with thesolid rocket boosters threatens to derail the space program. | |||
| 2 | "HELP!" | September 16, 2020 (2020-09-16) | |
Following a nationwide search,Christa McAuliffe is named theTeacher in Space Project winner. An alarming amount ofO-ring erosion is discovered in the solid rocket boosters. When it continues,Morton Thiokol engineers feel it is not being effectively dealt with. However, NASA is under pressure due to a growing schedule, so a waiver is issued to keep the Space Shuttle flying. | |||
| 3 | "A Major Malfunction" | September 16, 2020 (2020-09-16) | |
STS-51-L is plagued with scrubbed launches due to unfavorable weather and equipment failures. NASA has a program assessment review to discuss what going down to below-freezing temperatures the night before will mean. During a teleconference, Thiokol engineers make a presentation, recommending to refrain from launching or doing so below 53 degrees. However, the SRB project manager is angry at what he considers an "irrational decision" and makes an intimidating comment that manipulates Thiokol into changing their minds. Cold overnight temperatures see icicles form on the service structure and lead to a two-hour delay so the shuttle stack can be inspected beforeChallenger is cleared for launch. | |||
| 4 | "Nothing Ends Here" | September 16, 2020 (2020-09-16) | |
In the wake of theChallenger disaster, PresidentReagan speaks to the nation from theOval Office before forming aninvestigation board.Nobel Prize-winning physicistRichard Feynman plays a crucial role in the probe, demonstrating on live television that O-rings lack resiliency at 32 degrees. The Rogers Commission returns its verdict of a "fatally flawed" decision-making process, stating NASA's attitude to blame. Space Shuttle flights resume 32 months later when a reformed NASA successfully launchesDiscovery. | |||
The officialtrailer was released on September 2, 2020.[5]
Theseries has an approval rating of 85% based on 20 reviews onRotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 8.2/10. The critics' consensus on the website reads, "Challenger: The Final Flight doesn't reveal any new information, but intimate interviews elevate its well-crafted, heartbreaking retelling of an avoidable national tragedy."[6] OnMetacritic, the series scored 76 out of 100, indicating "generally favourable reviews" based on a weighted average.[7]
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