HOUSTON -- It has been three decades since America witnessed that disaster after liftoff in a moment that should have been historic for a different reason.
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The Space Shuttle Challenger heads into a fog bank as it rolls towards pad 39-A (AP Photo/ Ron Lindsey)
After creating a huge cloud of smoke the Space Shuttle Challenger lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center (AP Photo/ IP MN, GP. KEY S, RO. XMEH)
Teacher Christa McAuliffe preparing for the mission (AP Photo/ RC)
The Challenger is making its final journey this week as workers transport the debris recovered after the January 28, 1986 disasterif necessary. (AP Photo/James Neihouse) (AP Photo/ James Neihouse)
The crew for the Space Shuttle Challenger flight 51-L leaves their quarters for the launch pad (AP Photo/ Steve Helber)
In this Jan. 28, 1986 picture, two unidentified spectators at the Kennedy Space Center (AP Photo/ PS)
Concord, New Hampshire, storeowner Barry Dixon tapes a sign to the outside of his business, Jan. 29, 1986 in tribute (AP Photo/ Toby Talbot)
This is the official NASA photo of the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger (AP Photo/ Anonymous)
In this 1985 photo, high school teacher Christa McAuliffe rides with her children Caroline, left, and Scott during a parade down Main Street in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/ Jim Cole)