What was the name of the space shuttle that tragically exploded 73 seconds into its flight?

The space shuttle that tragically exploded 73 seconds into its flight was named Challenger. This disaster occurred on January 28, 1986, during its STS-51-L mission. Challenger's explosion was a pivotal event in NASA's history, leading to a reevaluation of safety protocols and spacecraft design. The shuttle was carrying seven crew members, including Christa McAuliffe, who was set to become the first teacher in space, which heightened the public interest and the impact of the tragedy. The incident underscored the inherent risks of space travel and led to significant changes in how missions were planned and executed to prioritize astronaut safety.