Orbiter 'Challenger' on launch pad, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida, USA, 1980s. The Space Shuttle Challenger was the second orbiter of NASA's space shuttle programme and was in operation between 1983 and 1986. She broke apart on her final mission, STS-51-L, on 28 January 1986. A structural failure during the ascent phase 73 seconds after launch resulted in a catastrophic accident which killed all seven crew members.