There have been twofailures: The shuttle Challengerandsevenastronauts were lostjustafterlaunch in January 1986 due to anO-ringsealleak in a solidrocketboosterthat led to an explosion.
Despite an earlier leak claiming that there would be a two-tier system - similar to the old O-levels and CSEs - the new qualification will be a single exam for a wide range of abilities.