ENCORE: Challenger Disaster | Launch Day | 3
Topics discussed
Cold open: Al McDonald's urgent call to postpone the launch
Episode introduction and background on the O-ring flaw
The emergency teleconference: Engineers vs. NASA management
Thiokol executives vote to recommend the launch despite risks
Launch pad preparations: Dealing with severe ice and cold
Sponsor break: Audible Originals and Manifesto
Final pre-launch checks and the crew's last moments
The launch and the explosion of the Challenger
Sponsor break: Audible Originals and The Lost
Immediate aftermath: Reactions from families and Mission Control
NASA press conference and initial public response
Roger Boisjoly's discovery of internal memos and cover-up fears
Preview of next episode and production credits
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