NASA Unable to Determine Cause of Death of Challenger Astronauts

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — Pathologists have not determined how the seven crew members of the space shuttle Challenger died despite extensive analysis of remains, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s shuttle director said Friday.

“I had hoped that a careful and professional examination of the remains would provide the answer,” Rear Adm. Richard H. Truly said in a statement. “The examinations have not revealed any conclusive evidence about either the cause or time of death.”

Truly said the determination was a difficult task and that officials were examining the remains and the wreckage, as well as analyzing photographs and radar, to determine what forces were imposed on the spacecraft.

Knowledge of the cause of death could help experts determine how the shuttle reacted to the Jan. 28 explosion of the huge external fuel tank after liftoff, which could assist in the design of additional safety features.