![]() ![]() ![]() and temperatures had risen to a chilly 36 degrees. Ice on the launch pad would have sent astronauts slipping if they had to evacuate due to an emergency prior to launch.Ī number of checks were performed on the ice prior to liftoff. This was an important factor, not just for the external tank but on the pad itself. Ice development is considered a debris hazard since it can break off and damage thermal protection tiles on the shuttle. That morning after seeing ice on the tank, liftoff was delayed to just before lunch time to allow for the sun to melt it. There was ice on the external tank that housed liquid oxygen and hydrogen. Strong wind gusts blew water on parts of the pad and froze. Water was drained from pipes on the launch pad, but another factor defeated their efforts. Preparations were made the night before to prevent or minimize ice formation. Temperatures behind a strong cold front had dipped to a frigid 26 degrees, well below the average low of 50 degrees. The disaster was caused by an O-ring seal that failed to work properly during the unusually cold conditions. The right solid rocket booster (SRB) failed during liftoff. (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) This action resulted in a surreal scene for the Florida launch facility. When it was determined that air temperatures combined with wind speeds were going to cause freezing conditions, a decision was made to leave all water supply lines on slow "trickle" to prevent line burst. ![]() Icicles formed on the launch pad and service tower in the evening and early morning hours on January 28, 1986. ![]()
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