Punky breaks the news to Henry about the tragic Challenger space shuttle explosion. When the Challenger shuttle, carrying history teacher Christa McAuliffe, exploded on January 28, 1986, NBC knew many children had watched the launch live in their classrooms and would be deeply affected. In response, the network aired a powerful Punky Brewster episode in which Punky is faced with processing the emotional impact of the disaster. #80s #genx #punkybrewster #challenger | 80s Deennice