PIX4650088: Shuttle Explosion Challenger STS - 51L 28/01/1986 - Space Shuttle Challenger accident Jan 28 1986 - The bright luminous glow at the top is attributed to the rupture of the liquid oxygen tank just above the SRB/ET attachment. At this point, Challenger is completely engulfed in a firey flow of escaping liquid propellant. Jan 28 1986 / Bridgeman Images