Columbia Space Explosion
On February 1, 2003, the Columbia Space Shuttle was destroyed over East Texas during re-entry. None of the crew on the shuttle survived the disaster. Seven astronauts including Rick D. Husband, William C. McCool, Michael P. Anderson, David M. Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and Ilan Ramon (the first Isreali in space), were on the shuttle. The explosion happened on the 113th mission of the Columbia Space Shuttle. It was also the nation's first reuseable Space Shuttle.
Columbia was delayed for two years with technical difficulties.No one was for sure when the shuttle would finally fly into space. When it finally did, on April 12, everyone was excited. It was a historic date in space travel.
Columbia was delayed for two years with technical difficulties.No one was for sure when the shuttle would finally fly into space. When it finally did, on April 12, everyone was excited. It was a historic date in space travel.
Columbia Remains are Found
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Tommy Peltier of Houston,TX, and his daughter Alexis, found a large piece of debris from space shuttle Columbia that fell close to their family's home, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2003. After the shuttle exploded ,Saturday, over eastern Texas, fragments of the shuttle were sent showering to the ground.
Parts of the shuttle were not the only things that people found over Eastern Texas. Some of the Astronauts' remains were found in Texas and Louisiana. Body parts were found including a charred torso, thigh bone, charred leg, and a skull with front teeth.
Parts of the shuttle were not the only things that people found over Eastern Texas. Some of the Astronauts' remains were found in Texas and Louisiana. Body parts were found including a charred torso, thigh bone, charred leg, and a skull with front teeth.
Families' Reactions
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The astronauts' families were waiting for their homecoming at the Kennedy Space Center. Little did they know, the astronauts would not make it back. Families were devastated when they were informed of the explosion. Many people attended the memorial service of the crew, where there were images of each person that died in the disaster. It took place at the Crystal Cathedral church on February 4, 2003.
Explosions effects
Due to the tragedy of the Columbia Space Shuttle, there have been many changes to the way that space orbiters are now made. Although seven crewmembers died in the explosion, we learned many things from the Columbia Explosion that we will forever remember...