The Columbia Disaster
Launch of The Columbia
Memory of The Crew
We will always remember the crew of the Columbia. Rick D. Husband, William C. Mccool, David M. Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Michael P. Anderson, Laurel B. Clark, Ilan Ramon. These brave men and women gave their life to complete a very important mission. God bless you all.
The Columbia Disaster
On February 1st, the crew of the Columbia perished on the reentry of their 28th mission. This disaster happened on a mission crucial to NASA, to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.
Liftoff
On January 16, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia launched on its 28th mission. Seconds after lift, a suitcase-sized chunk of the external tank and damaged the Thermal Protection system on the left wing. The crew paid no attention at first, but the problem was serious.
Disaster Strikes
February 1, 2003. The crew, unaware of the gaping hole, eases the Columbia into the atmosphere. They recieve an alert of low tire pressure, but the wing is unatended. The rocket starts to heat up and the wing catches fire. The rocket burns up in the atmosphere, killing the seven crew members. Flags were flown at half mast.
The Crew of the Columbia
Debis of the Columbia's Wing is Visible
Above
In this picture, you can see the Calenger debris coming off the left wing. The wing caught fire shortly after and killed the crew.
Footage of Columbia Reentry
Space Shuttle Poll
Which Space Shuttle Accident Was Worse?
The Columbia Burns In Reentry
NASA attempts to put the Columbia debris in the right place
Aftermath
The largest surviving piece of debris of the Columbia was the cockpit. A large chunk actually survived. But the nose was burned and charred. Rubble was found in four states and NASA shut the doors until they found the cause. This day will always be remembered.