08404. U.S. SPACE SHUTTLE CHALLENGER 1986 DISASTER. Examines the public policy issues raised by the January 28, 1986 explosion of the U.S. space shuttle Challenger. Argues that the cost of manned space flight is not commensurate with the relatively tiny increase in useful scientific and economic benefits of such efforts. 10 pages, 8 footnotes in text, 6 bibliographic sources.