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Vroman’s Bookstore: Adam Higginbotham discusses Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space

May 21 @ 7:00 pm

In-Person Event Free
Adam Higginbotham

On January 28, 1986, just seventy-three seconds into flight, the space shuttle Challenger broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean, killing all seven people on board. Millions of Americans witnessed the tragic deaths of the crew, which included New Hampshire schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe. Like the assassination of JFK, the Challenger disaster is a defining moment in twentieth-century history–one that forever changed the way America thought of itself and its optimistic view of the future. Yet the full story of what happened, and why, has never been told.

Based on extensive archival research and meticulous, original reporting, Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space follows a handful of central protagonists–including each of the seven members of the doomed crew–through the years leading up to the accident, and offers a detailed account of the tragedy itself and the investigation afterward. It’s a compelling tale of ambition and ingenuity undermined by political cynicism and cost-cutting in the interests of burnishing national prestige; of hubris and heroism; and of an investigation driven by leakers and whistleblowers determined to bring the truth to light. Throughout, there are the ominous warning signs of a tragedy to come, recognized but then ignored, and later hidden from the public.

Higginbotham reveals the history of the shuttle program and the lives of men and women whose stories have been overshadowed by the disaster, as well as the designers, engineers, and test pilots who struggled against the odds to get the first shuttle into space. A masterful blend of riveting human drama and fascinating and absorbing science, Challenger identifies a turning point in history–and brings to life an even more complex and astonishing story than we remember.

Details

Date:
May 21
Time:
7:00 pm
Cost:
Free
Event Categories:
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Website:
https://www.vromansbookstore.com/Adam-Higginbotham-discusses-Challenger

Venue

Vroman’s Bookstore
695 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101 United States
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Phone
626.449.5320
View Venue Website

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