The Challenger
The story of how Richard Feynman (William Hurt), one of America's most famous scientists, helped to discover the cause of the space shuttle Challenger disaster.
When the space shuttle Challenger blew up in 1986, it was the most shocking event in the history of American spaceflight. The deaths of seven astronauts, including the first teacher in space Christa McAuliffe, were watched live on television by millions of viewers. But what was more shocking was that the cause of the disaster might never be uncovered. The Challenger is the story of how Richard Feynman, one of America's most famous scientists, helped to discover the cause of a tragedy that stunned America.
Last on
![]()
TV blog: The bigger picture
Find out how meeting the real-life people involved in the investigation shaped the drama.
Clips
![]()
A discussion in an aircraft hanger
Duration: 02:27
![]()
An eye for detail
Duration: 01:08
![]()
The launch of Challenger
Duration: 02:35
Music Played
![]()
Charles Mingus
Boogie Stop Shuffle
![]()
Robert Palmer
Addicted to Love
![]()
Erik Satie
Gnossienne – Lent
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Richard Feynman | William Hurt |
| Chairman Rogers | Brian Dennehy |
| General Kutyna | Bruce Greenwood |
| Gweneth Feynman | Joanne Whalley |
| Larry Mulloy | Kevin McNally |
| Sally Ride | Eve Best |
| Writer | Kate Gartside |
| Dr Weiss | Henry Goodman |
| Producer | Laurie Borg |
| Director | James Hawes |
Broadcasts
Featured in...
![]()
Inspired by True Events
Gripping drama adaptations chronicling real life stories and events
![]()
True Life Inspired Drama
Biopics and drama based on real life stories and events that hit the headlines.
What would you do? Take The Open University’s ethics quiz
Take the OU's online quiz and see how you would react to ethical and political dilemmas.
