Executive produced by J.J. Abrams and Glen Zipper, "Challenger: The Final Flight" is a four-part docuseries that examines the 1986 Challenger space shuttle, which tragically broke apart 73 seconds after launch as millions of Americans watched live on television.
Incorporating never-before-seen interviews and rare archival material, this series offers an in-depth look at one of the most diverse crews NASA assembled, including high school teacher Christa McAuliffe, who was selected to be the first private citizen in space.
Colin Anderton Member
Posts: 211 From: Great Britain Registered: Jan 2005
posted 09-03-2020 01:27 PM
I hope this isn't going to develop into one of those myths that become fact. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe only CNN was covering the launch live on TV, so whether "millions" of Americans were watching live as the accident occurred is rather doubtful.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48440 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-03-2020 01:55 PM
CNN was the only national news network covering it live, but at least some of the local Florida and New Hampshire affiliates had it on, as did some other local news stations. Also, hundreds, if not thousands of schools across the U.S. had wheeled in television sets into classrooms or convened special assemblies so their students could watch the first teacher launch into space.
So it is quite possible millions of Americans were watching live.
MSS Member
Posts: 964 From: Europe Registered: May 2003
posted 09-03-2020 04:15 PM
I was listening to the live radio broadcast on the Voice of America.
I remember the short sentence: "Challenger has exploded" and a long silence...
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48440 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
Glen was in his algebra class at a middle school in New Jersey when a teacher ran in and said that everyone needed to get to the cafeteria because something terrible had just happened. Daniel was also in a math class, but at his high school in Wyoming, when word came to turn on the TV. Steven was at his elementary school in California and was watching the launch coverage live.
For all three, like millions of other students across the nation, it was a moment that they would never forget.
"It was a formative moment in my life," said Glen Zipper, who with J.J. Abrams served as an executive producer on "Challenger: The Final Flight," a new, four-part docuseries premiering on Netflix on Wednesday (Sept. 16). "If I look at the trajectory of my life from that point forward, it is sort of like everything tracks back to Challenger."
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: So it is quite possible millions of Americans were watching live.
Robert is correct; many Americans were able to watch the launch live. The largest potential audience was from the West Coast (Pacific Time Zone) feed of NBC's "Today" show, which was available to potentially about 36 million viewers (older than 5). The next-largest audience was probably the roughly 2.5-million students watching in schools via satellite dishes.
Although CNN was a national cable channel, only 42 percent of US households had cable at the time and it was typically not on the basic tier. As a result, with the launch on a weekday morning, CNN's viewership was relatively small. Broadcasting magazine reported "The Discovery Network, a new specialized cable channel devoted to science and technology, also distributed the NASA feed live, but it only reaches between six and seven million potential viewers."
All three Orlando TV stations carried the launch live, as did WMUR-TV in Manchester, N.H. Finally, anyone with a dish capable of receiving Satcom II-R could also watch the NASA feed.
perineau Member
Posts: 333 From: FRANCE Registered: Jul 2007
posted 09-15-2020 11:23 AM
I might add that there was an international CNN audience as well — my wife was watching the launch live in France (it was in the afternoon over here) and then called me at work to tell me what had happened.
David C Member
Posts: 1338 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 09-16-2020 03:35 AM
My take on the above is that we don't really seem to have a very clear idea of how many Americans were watching live. Potential figures are pretty much meaningless. We do know that program popularity had fallen, that's a major reason why McAuliffe was aboard.
garymilgrom Member
Posts: 2088 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 09-16-2020 07:52 AM
David C has a good point. Remember police have established eye witnesses to an incident are notoriously unreliable. I myself have a memory of watching the launch live in Toronto but it was not shown live on any Canadian network. Yes I'm saying I'm not sure of my own memories from nearly 35 years ago.
history in miniature Member
Posts: 618 From: Slatington, PA Registered: Mar 2009
posted 09-16-2020 07:58 AM
I was sitting on my living room floor having a tuna sandwich watching it live and I remember it like it was yesterday.
dogcrew5369 Member
Posts: 760 From: Statesville, NC Registered: Mar 2009
posted 09-16-2020 11:26 AM
I still remember vividly watching live CNN coverage from our living room couch with my sister. I was in 9th grade and we were out of school that day ironically due to it being so cold here in North Carolina. As Challenger broke up before our eyes I looked at my sister. I was speechless.
Watching it all these years later still brings up raw emotions not unlike 9/11 which I saw live on tv. Of course many times more people were able to see 9/11 live.
MSS Member
Posts: 964 From: Europe Registered: May 2003
posted 09-16-2020 05:51 PM
Perfect movie... and story as if from yesterday.
jimsz Member
Posts: 636 From: Registered: Aug 2006
posted 09-16-2020 09:01 PM
Not bad. Not good. Nothing new. Covers the same things covered in films, books, magazines.
Hart Sastrowardoyo Member
Posts: 3457 From: Toms River, NJ Registered: Aug 2000
posted 09-17-2020 01:33 PM
Peter Billingsley mentions that after 51L, he (as a spokesman for the Young Astronaut Program) and McAuliffe were going to tour the US, and also that NASA would send a kid into space(!).
Is the latter wishful thinking, a misremembering, or another "Big Bird" story?
perineau Member
Posts: 333 From: FRANCE Registered: Jul 2007
posted 09-18-2020 01:40 AM
Agree with the above - pretty much what we already knew. I wished they would have concentrated more on the "Why" because Columbia sadly later proved that we didn't learn the lesson.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48440 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-18-2020 10:01 AM
The "new" in this docuseries are the interviews and how the filmmakers chose to organize and present the history. For me, what sets "Challenger" apart is the decision to let those who were there unfold what happened, rather than force a viewpoint or lesson.
This is a tragedy that can be, and has been, sensationalized and "Challenger" avoids that. It puts the loss into context with the surrounding history and lets the emphasis lie on the people, who they were, what they did and how they were impacted.
328KF Member
Posts: 1354 From: Registered: Apr 2008
posted 09-18-2020 12:18 PM
I took this film in over two nights and found it to be largely a repackaged presentation of well-known information, with little new insights.
Given that a "big time Hollywood" guy has his name attached to this, I was surprised at the poor quality of some of the film and video used. In this age of digital remastering processes that bring old Apollo film back to amazing clarity, it appeared that no expense was put forth to clean up any footage used in this film. It was especially striking when they cut from a fuzzy, blurred scene to one of the "head shot" interviews or even some IMAX footage that was gratuitously taken from "The Dream is Alive."
I think the review of the engineering decisions from the night before the accident were well done. However, it was painful to see these engineers as older men now who have clearly carried this burden their entire lives. Rather than present the failure as an organizational one, which it was, the 2-3 lines from each "talking head" interview seemed to descend into a finger pointing exercise at times. And surprisingly, no mention was made of Roger Boisjoly, the original Thiokol "whistleblower."
Having written a book on the payload specialist program, I was also surprised that none were included to help tell that part of the story in Episode 2, aside from Barbara Morgan. And Bill Harwood's statement that Jarvis was "bumped twice" for politicians - Garn, then again for Nelson, was just flat wrong. The Jarvis/Nelson swap was made for other reasons, as we detailed in "Come Fly With Us," and while it might seem like a small detail, it just jumped out at me as uninformed.
The film brought back a lot of memories, and had some unique, all-too-short video clips that space fans like us would love to see more of, but I didn't see it as a product that would be referenced for any new perspectives on the tragedy.
ColinBurgess Member
Posts: 2126 From: Sydney, Australia Registered: Sep 2003
posted 09-18-2020 07:27 PM
I've just watched the first episode, and while one could hardly call it an enjoyable experience re-living this awful tragedy, it was interesting to not only see footage that has been replayed many times over, but a new (to me) crop of contemporary interviews and news footage. Here in Australia there was precious little information on the upcoming flight apart from moderate media interest in the flight of teacher Christa McAuliffe, and certainly no live coverage of the launch.
Having just completed on book on the 1978 TFNG astronauts along with David Shayler, the interviews with several of them held an additional interest for me, while footage of those who died in the accident was for the most part totally new.
Like John, I share his dismay at the poor quality of some footage, but also agree this would likely have added to the production cost.
Nevertheless, I am looking forward to seeing the remaining three episodes with gratitude to those who put this absorbing program together.
Mike Dixon Member
Posts: 1624 From: Kew, Victoria, Australia Registered: May 2003
posted 09-18-2020 08:37 PM
It still cuts, even to this day.
dom Member
Posts: 999 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 09-19-2020 05:08 AM
As someone who was also living outside of America (and truth be told was too young to notice), the footage of the original media build-up to Christa McAuliffe's flight was fascinating. Also, seeing and hearing the other astronauts voices brought the whole crew to life. Too often the story is only about 'the teacher' or is a straight technical retelling of the accident.
Finally, in defence of the producers they might have been going for a retro 'Stranger Things' look so the 'Low Fi' footage was deliberate?
David C Member
Posts: 1338 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 09-19-2020 12:16 PM
Whilst I agree that there was nothing new, I don't think there necessarily needed to be. There's a lot of people around now who weren't old enough then to remember it, or weren't even born; and I think it was very well done.
Actually there was a bit new. It's rare to see Mulloy et al put on the spot about their decisions, and I think worthwhile, regardless of how you may feel about their answers. It did seem a bit like Roger Boisjoly had been erased though, former USSR style.
I'm happy with the period quality footage. It's atmospheric.
Well worth a viewing.
oly Member
Posts: 1382 From: Perth, Western Australia Registered: Apr 2015
posted 09-19-2020 07:14 PM
This is also a message that needs to be retold every so often. The investigation into Challenger uncovered many bitter truths and the lessons learned need to be used as reminders or passed on.
David C Member
Posts: 1338 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 09-20-2020 01:00 PM
quote:Originally posted by oly: This is also a message that needs to be retold every so often.
Yeah, it had already been forgotten by 107.
pupnik Member
Posts: 122 From: Maryland Registered: Jan 2014
posted 09-21-2020 09:30 AM
I for one enjoyed it. I like that it's exploring the disaster comprehensively. Other documentaries have explored the personal stories, or the decision making, or the engineering individually. Or others have examined all, but in a 47 minute time block.
I also like a lot of the clips and photos they chose to use, as many aren't seen often, if at all. I even like that they put effort into the stock footage. It's easy to grab stock footage of a building filmed in the last couple years, but it takes effort to find stock footage that's era appropriate; Seeing things like the K-cars on the streets.
Panther494 Member
Posts: 542 From: London UK Registered: Jan 2013
posted 09-23-2020 05:43 PM
Just finished watching all the episodes and found it to be a very sad, emotional experience. I guess as it should be.
I think it was a good tribute to the crew, their families and friends.
To see many of the contributors reliving those moments was heart breaking, carrying that burden for the last 34 years, many seemed broken. I'm not sure that it was necessary to bring up the Columbia tragedy at the end. Was it just to highlight the fact NASA still hadn't learnt a lesson?
Space Cadet Carl Member
Posts: 286 From: Lake Orion, MI Registered: Feb 2006
posted 09-24-2020 07:01 AM
Watched the documentary. Wow... June Scobee's (Rodgers) personal account of the days before the launch, her watching the launch from the grandstands, the bus ride back to the crew quarters and everything that went on inside the crew quarters right after the launch is absolutely gut-wrenching.
Ken Havekotte Member
Posts: 3444 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
posted 09-24-2020 07:33 AM
Is there anyway to watch the documentary without subscribing to Netflix? Having covered the launch along with having a lot of personal memories and experiences of that whole week, and knowing some of the people involved, I would like to view the series.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48440 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-24-2020 08:40 AM
The documentary series was produced for and is only available on Netflix.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 48440 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-25-2020 02:48 PM
Challenger Center release
Live Chat with Filmmakers & Interviewees from Netflix's Challenger: The Final Flight
Challenger Center invites you to watch a live, virtual chat with filmmakers and several subjects from the Netflix docuseries, "Challenger: The Final Flight," on Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
Moderated by Lance Bush, president and CEO of Challenger Center, the conversation will feature Executive Producer and Co-Creator Glen Zipper, Directors Steven Leckart and Daniel Junge, and Challenger crew family members June Scobee Rodgers and Alison Smith Balch.
Once you complete the form, a Zoom link will be sent to the email address you provided.
On September 30, click on that Zoom link to watch the discussion.
We hope you'll join us for this special, virtual event!
David C Member
Posts: 1338 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 09-29-2020 02:50 AM
quote:Originally posted by 328KF: ...seemed to descend into a finger pointing exercise at times.
I watched this after having read your well informed comments. On this subject though I'd say that organizations are made of people and there has been a tendency to hide behind "organizational failure." The organizations didn't just fail because they were inappropriately formed, etc., but because of directly identifiable personnel failings. As we saw, some are still in denial about that today.
I don't see that as mere finger pointing. It could be used as an engineering management teaching point. So why does X still think he made the right decision, when plainly, he didn't? How do you avoid that trap?
quote:Bill Harwood's statement that Jarvis was "bumped twice" for politicians - Garn, then again for Nelson, was just flat wrong.
So far as I could tell it wasn't just Harwood, that was the opinion of Jarvis' relatives, right or wrong, theirs to state. But perhaps Harwood should have added some sensitive clarification. Difficult I imagine, since he has to maintain the confidence of all the relatives.
Henry Heatherbank Member
Posts: 294 From: Adelaide, South Australia Registered: Apr 2005
posted 10-15-2020 07:43 AM
This is a very good documentary. Granted, there is nothing new in there for people such as those on this forum who are well versed in the topic, but the contemporary footage (especially the pre-flight training videos) are an excellent “time capsule” of the era.
The interviews with key players are fascinating, including crew families, and key NASA decision makers, including the much-maligned Larry Mulloy and William Lucas (who both approved the launch), still believing to this day that their actions were both correct and justified.
I thoroughly enjoyed (if that’s the right word) the documentary, and commend it to others as a nice tribute to the 51-L crew.
dom Member
Posts: 999 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 10-16-2020 06:50 AM
An interesting review in the Guardian newspaper today.
Colin Anderton Member
Posts: 211 From: Great Britain Registered: Jan 2005
posted 10-16-2020 09:55 AM
The usual anti-American slant in this article. The American Dream is still alive — but the media are trying to stifle it!
dom Member
Posts: 999 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 10-16-2020 10:12 AM
I wouldn't agree this article is "anti-American" — it doesn't voice any opinion that hasn't already been voiced above or in the US-made documentary itself. Hubris is hubris no matter what its nationality!
capoetc Member
Posts: 2294 From: McKinney TX (USA) Registered: Aug 2005
posted 10-16-2020 05:04 PM
quote:Originally posted by Colin Anderton: The usual anti-American slant in this article.
I have to agree with you. But one has come to expect lines like this from The Guardian:
There is no death count high enough to put beyond reach, the appeal – the sheer emotional weight – of American exceptionalism.
As for the documentary, I thought it was... ok. They seemed to conclude that NASA management knew the shuttle would explode but just didn't care and launched anyway to make the time line. I am certain that was simply not the case.
Flawed decision-making structure and communications avenues led to flawed decision-making, clearly. But there was no motive whatsoever to blow up an orbiter and crew.
Bottom line: Space is hard. If safety is your #1 priority, then you will never fly in space.
Unfortunately, the culture that returned to the NASA and contractor universe following Challenger could not be sustained under the weight of flight after successful flight, and the flawed decision-making structures returned in slightly altered form to result in the breakup of Columbia.
Colin Anderton Member
Posts: 211 From: Great Britain Registered: Jan 2005
posted 10-17-2020 03:13 AM
quote:Originally posted by capoetc: They seemed to conclude that NASA management knew the shuttle would explode but just didn't care and launched anyway to make the time line. I am certain that was simply not the case.
You've summed it up right there. In most documentaries there seems to be this implication that NASA officials knew what was about to happen, and didn't care. Like you, I am certain this was not so.
TLI Member
Posts: 32 From: London, UK Registered: Mar 2005
posted 05-30-2022 11:54 AM
Is this available on DVD or Blu-ray?
posted 09-02-2020 12:37 PM
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