Remembering the Space Shuttle Challenger Tragedy 35 Years Later When big events happen in our life, we say that "we'll never forget" and more times than not, we let it slip from our minds over time. This is one of those events that we will remember where we were when it happened. Enter your number to get our free mobile app It was 35 years ago, January 28th, 1986 when we witnessed the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. Schools from around the country took time out of their day to watch this special occasion. Little did they know, what would happen at 11: 39 a.m. would change their lives.