challenger case study

1. Failed Challenger
case study
Muhammad Ayaz Shaikh
Advance Requirements Engineering
02-25-2012

2. The Incident
January 28, 1986
Launch About 80 seconds after Launch

3. Challenger Model

4. In less than 1 second,
smoke appeared at the
ring joint, indicating that
the rings are burnt and
failed to seal.
First Damage

5. 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.

6. Last Damage
Shuttle exploded and broke up in 75 seconds.
Rockets crisscrossed and continued flying wildly.

7. 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.

8. Chart by Rogers Commission
Showing all launches
Temperature at
Challenger Launch, 32ºF

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Result
The cold O-Rings failed, system exploded and the crew
died.
R.I.P.