Following the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in January 1986, Feynman was appointed to the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident (the Rogers Commission). He was included specifically because of his reputation for clear thinking and independence.

Feynman conducted his own independent investigation, focusing on the potential causes of the disaster. He performed a simple but compelling experiment during a televised hearing, demonstrating how O-rings lost their elasticity at low temperatures, directly linking this to the launch conditions on the day of the tragedy.

Feynman wrote a separate appendix to the Rogers Commission Report, known as 'Appendix F - Personal Observations on the Reliability of the Shuttle.' In this appendix, he was highly critical of NASA's management practices and risk assessments, arguing that they were overly optimistic and failed to adequately address potential safety concerns.

Feynman's participation in the Challenger investigation played a crucial role in uncovering the truth about the disaster and prompting significant changes in NASA's safety procedures and management structure. His honesty and integrity were widely praised, solidifying his reputation as a scientific hero.