23. The Tragic Tale of the Challenger Space Shuttle
Year: 1986
Location: Atlantic Ocean
Company: NASA
Estimated Damage Value: $3.2 billion*
In 1986, before SpaceX’s era, five astronauts and two specialists embarked on the Challenger’s tenth voyage. Despite its previous successes, this mission ended in catastrophe, marking a somber chapter in space exploration history.

Just 76 seconds post-launch, the Challenger was destroyed due to seal failures caused by cold weather, leading to a heartbreaking loss of seven astronauts and $3.2 billion in damages. This incident halted space launches for three years, underscoring the risks of space travel.