Question:
God destroyed the tower of Babel because the people were trying to reach heaven. Were His purposes the same when the Challenger blew up?

Answer:
We know from Ephesians 1:11 that God works all things after the counsel of His own will. He is in control over all things, but He does not purposely cause some things to happen. He does not cause us to sin. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:13-15).
 

I don’t know if we can say that God purposely caused the Challenger to blow up. I think it blew up because of human error and lack of research. That’s different than God confounding the languages of the people in Genesis so they couldn’t finish the tower. It’s true that God allowed it to blow up for some reason, although I have no idea what that is. I’ve heard people say that if God wanted people to be in space, He would have made our bodies fit for space travel. That may be true but that would be the same as saying that all modern technology is bad. Without technology some people in far off corners of the world may not be able to read Bibles right now. Technology isn’t bad, it’s how people use it that could be bad. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handywork” (Psalm 19:1). If space travel can be used so we can appreciate God’s awesomeness more–great! If it is used to try to reach heaven or give glory to man, then I am sure that God will make it cease someday.

 

Notice how the Lord answered a similar question in Luke 13:1-5:
“There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”