Failed Challenger

case study

Muhammad Ayaz Shaikh

Advance Requirements Engineering
02-25-2012
 The Incident
January 28, 1986
Launch About 80 seconds after Launch

                                                                   

   
                                                               

    
Challenger Model
First Damage

In less than 1 second,

smoke appeared at the
ring joint, indicating that
the rings are burnt and
failed to seal.
 First Damage: Post Effects

The leak lasted only about 2 seconds then the shuttle rose. In less then a
minute of ignition when Challenger was 6 miles up – thick flames start
evolving.
 Last Damage

Shuttle exploded and broke up in 75 seconds.

Rockets crisscrossed and continued flying wildly.
 The Investigation
Why the Challenger Blew UP
Engineers had all the data they needed.
They knew cold O-Rings were likely to fail.
Engineering management believed them
and told NASA not to launch.
NASA asked for the supporting data
and engineers presented the data poorly,
NASA was unconvinced.
Engineering and management reversed their position
and approved the launch.
Chart by Rogers Commission
Showing all launches
Temperature at
Challenger Launch, 32ºF
 O-Rings

They are Fuel Tank joint but too sensitive in winter.

Mid1985:
Scorching becomes noticeable
Analysis shows worse on colder days
Engineer Roger Boisjoly warns superiors
“WE COULD LOSE A FLIGHT”

August 1985:
NASA Meeting
No changes please.
 Night Before Launch
“too cold, delay launch!” Until 53ºF and it was 29ºF
Every single launch in cold temperatures showed damage

Competition with Russians to be

the first to observe Halley’s comet.
 Result
The cold O-Rings failed, system exploded and the crew
died.
R.I.P.