One wave of the population boom ended abruptly in the mid-1980s, as oil prices fell precipitously. The space industry also suffered in 1986 after the Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated shortly after launch. There was a cutback in some activities for a period. In the late 1980s, the city's economy suffered from the nationwide recession. After the early 1990s recession, Houston made efforts to diversify its economy by focusing on aerospace and health care/biotechnology, and reduced its dependence on the petroleum industry. Since the increase of oil prices in the 2000s, the petroleum industry has again increased its share of the local economy. COUNT 9
QSN1 In what year did the space shuttle Challenger explode after launch? ANS1 1986 QSN2 Why did Houston's economy have problems in the late 1980's? ANS2 the nationwide recession QSN3 In the 1990's, what is something Houston did to try to diversify it's economy? ANS3 reduced its dependence on the petroleum industry QSN4 The petroleum industry has become a larger part of Houston's economy again for what reason? ANS4 the increase of oil prices in the 2000s QSN5 What caused population growth to decline  in the 1980s? ANS5 oil prices fell QSN6 When did Houston begin to regain its dependence on the oil industry? ANS6 2000s QSN7 What did Houston focus on after the 1990s recession to improve its economy? ANS7 aerospace and health care QSN8 When did Houston suffer an economic decline? ANS8 late 1980s QSN9 Which shuttle disintegrated in 1986 to cause a decline in the space industry? ANS9 Space Shuttle Challenger