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25 years ago, millions of television viewers around the world watched horrified as the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after taking off from Cape Canaveral in Florida.
None of the seven crew on board survived. This was the first time the US had lost astronauts in flight, and it was a profound loss for the country. The flight had been delayed for several days due to freezing weather. An investigation concluded that the seal on the rocket booster had failed because it was unable to cope with the cold weather, and other factors.
The Commander of the Challenger was Francis "Dick" Scobee. His widow June witnessed the mid-air explosion.
"My heart shattered as well"
They had been teenage sweethearts in San Antonio in Texas and she has recently published her autobiography Silver Linings - My Life Before and After Challenger 7. Jo Fidgen spoke to June Scobee Rodgers about what kind of man Dick was, the "unspeakable" moment the shuttle broke up and how the disaster still affects her life.
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