liftoff , challenger, lots of ground to make up

Growth Accelerates, but U.S. Has Lots of Ground to Make Up

By CATHERINE RAMPELL

Whether the American economy, which grew last quarter at its fastest pace in a year and a half, can sustain that momentum is critical to millions of people out of work.

On Jan. 28, 1986, space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff from Cape Canaveral, killing all seven crew members.

liftoff
(lĭft'ôf', -ŏf')
n.
The initial movement by which or the instant in which a rocket or other such craft commences flight.


challenger
(chăl'ən-jər)
n.

1. One that challenges: a challenger of established authority.
2. Sports. One who competes against the holder of a title or championship, as in boxing.