The Challenger Space Shuttle was a NASA spacecraft that launched for the first time in 1982. It was designed to carry astronauts and cargo into space, playing a key role in the Space Shuttle program. Challenger completed nine successful missions before its tragic disaster. On January 28, 1986, Challenger broke apart just 73 seconds after liftoff, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members, including teacher Christa McAuliffe. This incident led to a suspension of the shuttle program and significant changes in NASA's safety protocols and procedures.