[incorrecthorse]

> Those two flight deck pilots had breathed-up all the oxygen in their breathing packs by the time they hit the sea, something confirmed by the empty breathing packs that were recovered. Which means they were alive when they hit the sea!

I don't understand how this follows. The best scenario is that they had their last drops of oxygen around hitting the sea; in other scenarios they died from lack of oxygen before hitting the sea.

[KineticLensman]

> The best scenario is that they had their last drops of oxygen around hitting the sea; in other scenarios they died from lack of oxygen before hitting the sea.

See [0] for a summary. It appears that at least one unidentified crew member activated the air pack for Smith (the pilot) but not Scobee (the commander). Smith operated some switches after the break-up so was certainly conscious. The crew compartment was tumbling but not so fast as to cause blackouts.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Challenger_disas...

[1659447091]

Here is the link to add on the Personal Egress Air Packs, and a crew member activating Smiths PEAP

[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_Egress_Air_Pack

[KennyBlanken]

Note that the Challenger crew were not wearing Launch Entry Suits like those shown in the photo.

They were dressed in what amounted to nylon jumpsuits and motorcycle helmets.

[inglor_cz]

"in other scenarios they died from lack of oxygen before hitting the sea."

If they ran out in last 4 km of altitude or so, they would be in air dense enough not to even lose consciousness.

[krisoft]

> they would be in air dense enough not to even lose consciousness.

Assuming that they don't need to do any action to change from bottle oxygen to external. Or that if action is required (like turning a valve or opening their visors), that it was performed by them.

I do not know how that subsystem worked. Maybe someone else here knows?