January 16 saw the launch of the long delayed scientific space shuttle mission, STS-107. You could hear the excitement in the voices of NASA mission controllers as the countdown dwindled to zero. The space shuttle Columbia lifted off, carrying the first Israeli astronaut into orbit along with six crewmates on a marathon international scientific research flight. The seven astronauts divided their duties into two teams working 12-hour shifts to conduct round-the-clock science. Aboard Columbia were more than 80 experiments dealing with astronaut health and safety, advanced technology development and Earth and space sciences. As the shuttle mission reached its end, all experiments completed successfully, the crew prepared to return home triumphantly. Unfortunately, a devastating tragedy was about to unfold.
As Columbia was making final preparations for landing, their families were journeying to NASA's Kennedy Space Center to watch their loved ones’ homecoming. Columbia and her crew were scheduled to land at Space Center at 9:16 a.m. There was much excitement in both places. Meanwhile, throughout the country and around the world, not only were most people ignorant of the identities of the astronauts, many were unaware there was even a shuttle mission taking place. All of this would change very soon.
The shuttle was traveling at 12,500 mph, 18 times the speed of sound, 39 miles above the Earth, when people in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana heard unusual sounds coming from the sky. Many who were watching to see the shuttle pass overhead reported seeing debris separating from the vehicle. Minutes later, NASA announced that a Space Shuttle Contingency had been declared. The space shuttle Columbia disintegrated in the skies over Texas, killing all seven heroes aboard.
Over the next several months, we tried to keep you updated on the status of the Columbia investigation, as many of you visited our Columbia Disaster & Investigation information page. We told you of the national memorial service, when President Bush stated, “Our nation shares in your sorrow and your pride. Each of these astronauts had the daring and the discipline required of their calling. Each of them knew great endeavors are inseparable with great risk, and each of them accepted those risks willingly, even joyfully, in the cause of discovery. And today we remember not only one moment of tragedy but seven lives of great purpose and achievement."
We also shared with you the Memorial At the Bottom of the World, held at McMurdo Station, Antarctica and organized by your About Astronomy/Space Guide.
As the NASA investigation continued, those of us close to the space program struggled to continue with our lives, and let the healing process begin. As all space shuttle missions were grounded, here at About Astronomy/Space, we tried to continue providing great information.
As March came in like a lamb, we looked at the lives of Nicolaus Copernicus, Sally Ride, and Mae Jemison; and, because it was Women’s History Month, our multimedia department brought you images of space shuttle mission STS-093, the first mission to be commanded by a woman, Eileen Collins.