01/28/1986 Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after launch. The Americans had traveled from their successfully launched into space during the quarter of a century already 55 times. Space tourism was considered safe, which is why we ventured to take the flight, the first civilian in space. Killed in the accident all seven people in the shuttle ride.Photo: (c) Demotix Live News 3/Demotix/Corbis