On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after lift off, killing the seven crew members on board. The space shuttle disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Cape Canaveral in Florida.

For millions, it was an event that would be seared into their memories for the rest of their lives – on par with the Kennedy assassination and 9/11.

Thirty-nine years ago, the feelings of shock and sorrow swept across America as millions witnessed the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger.