Challenger (OV-099)

The Challenger (OV-099) was a space shuttle built by the United States of America. The shuttle was the third shuttle built, and was first launched on April 4, 1983.

On January 28, 1986 Challenger was destroyed when she exploded 73 seconds after being launched. All seven members of the crew were killed in the explosion. One of those killed was mission specialist Ellison Onizuka. Starfleet honored him by naming a type 15 shuttlecraft on the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) after him, both Lieutenant Commanders Data and LaForge piloted this shuttle. (TNG episodes The Ensigns of Command and The Mind's Eye).