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Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster News

Read news articles dealing with the loss of the space shuttle Columbia, STS-107.
Space Shuttle Columbia Accident Investigation - Suspected Plasma Leak May Have Been Culprit
NASA is still seeking help from the American public to supply video and still images of the Space Shuttle Columbia on its return flight to Earth. There has been a great public response, but more material will help the investigation of the Columbia accident. The Columbia Accident Investigation Board has said preliminary analysis by a NASA working group indicates the temperature indications seen in Columbia's left wheel well during entry would require the presence of plasma.
Statement From The Families Of Space Shuttle Columbia Crew - Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy
On January 16th, (2003), we saw our loved ones launch into a brilliant, cloud-free sky. Their hearts were full of enthusiasm, pride in country, faith in their God, and a willingness to accept risk in the pursuit of knowledge - knowledge that might improve the quality of life for all mankind. Columbia's 16–day mission of scientific discovery was a great success, cut short by mere minutes yet it will live on forever in our memories.
Statement By NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe on Space Shuttle Columbia - Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy
At 4:10PM EST, NASA Administrator, Sean O'Keefe issued the following statement concerning the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia. This is indeed a tragic day for the NASA family, for the families of the astronauts who flew on STS-107, and likewise is tragic for the Nation. Immediately upon indication of a loss of communications from STS-107, at a little after 9:00 a.m. this morning, we began our contingency plan to preserve all the information relative to the flight activities.
NASA Statement On Loss Of Communications With Space Shuttlr Columbia - Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster
A Space Shuttle contingency has been declared in Mission Control, Houston, as a result of the loss of communication with the Space Shuttle Columbia at approximately 9 a.m. EST Saturday as it descended toward a landing at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla. It was scheduled to touchdown at 9:16 a.m. EST.
The Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy - One Journalist's Experience of The Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy
It was February 2, 2003 local time and I was enjoying a late sleep, in McMurdo, Antarctica, on a Sunday morning, my only day off each week. It wasn't until I awoke a few minutes before 8:00AM and started to check my email that I learned of the disaster aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. Early on February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated and the crew of STS-107 were killed. This is the experience of one journalist learning of the Space shuttle Columbia tragedy.
Musical Tribute to Columbia Crew Nominated for Grammy
On Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004, international star Josh Groban honored the NASA Space Shuttle Columbia crew with a performance of his new hit "You Raise Me Up" from his multi-platinum CD "Closer" at Super Bowl XXXVIII at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Now "You Raise Me Up", the song performed by Josh Groban as a tribute to Columbia, has been nominated for a Grammy in the Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (For a solo vocal performance. Singles or Tracks only).
Memorial At The Bottom Of The World - McMurdo Station, Antarctica Mourns With Space Shuttle Columbia Families
The loss of the crew of Space Shuttle Columbia was a blow to people around the world. At McMurdo Station in Antarctica, a memorial service was held on Monday evening, February 3, 2003 to remember the 7 astronauts who lost their lives. Organized by cofounder of the Antarctic Astronomical Society, Nick Greene, with the assistance of McMurdo’s Protestant and Catholic chaplains, the space shuttle Columbia memorial service was held in the Chapel of the Snows.
Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial Service - Our Nation Shares Your Sorrow and Your Pride. ~ President Bush
Space Shuttle Columbia national Memorial Service held at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, for the crew of Space Shuttle Columbia. President Bush said, "Our nation shares your sorrow and your pride." In attendance were the families of the space shuttle Columbia astronauts, along with friends, coworkers and political leaders. The president and first lady were accompanied by Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon and by Senator John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth.
NASA Names Supercomputer After Columbia Astronaut
NASA will dedicate a new supercomputer this week to honor the memory of astronaut Kalpana "KC" Chawla, one of the seven crew members aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, lost Feb. 1, 2003. The dedication ceremony will be held May 12 at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.
NASA Administrator Accepts Columbia Accident Report
NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe received the report of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) from the chairman, retired U.S. Navy Admiral Harold Gehman. This is a statement from the NASA Administrator regarding the CAIB report.
Memorial At The Bottom Of The World
The loss of the crew of Space Shuttle Columbia was a blow to people around the world. Many are in mourning over this senseless tragedy. Here at McMurdo Station in Antarctica, a memorial service was held on Monday evening, February 3, 2003, to remember the seven astronauts who lost their lives.
The Loss of The Columbia
The day started on a bright note for the crew of STS-107 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. Mission Control followed the wake-up tune with news the astronauts had been waiting for. It was time to come home. As Columbia was making final preparations for landing, their families were journeying to Kennedy Space Center to watch their loved ones' homecoming. No one expected what was about to happen.
Hot Plasma Possible in Columbia Left Wheel Well
Preliminary analysis by a NASA working group this week indicates that the temperature indications seen in Columbia's left wheel well during entry would require the presence of plasma (super heated gas surrounding the orbiter during entry.)
Hot Plasma Possible in Columbia Left Wheel Well
Preliminary analysis by a NASA working group this week indicates that the temperature indications seen in Columbia's left wheel well during entry would require the presence of plasma (super heated gas surrounding the orbiter during entry.) Heat transfer through the structure as from a missing tile would not be sufficient to cause the temperature indications seen in the last minutes of flight.
Columbia Crew Cabin Video
Video footage taken by the crew during re-entry on Feb. 1. The video lasts approximately 13 minutes and is introduced by Astronaut Scott Altman.
CAIB Opens Washington Office
Adm. Harold Gehman, chairman of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, today announced the opening of the Board's Washington, D.C., office and the appointment of Thomas L. Carter as Assistant for Government Relations. Carter will be the Board's independent representation in Washington and will maintain contact with both Congress and Executive Branch organizations.
CAIB Board Chairman Names New Member
Adm. Hal Gehman, chairman of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, today announced the appointment of Dr. Sheila E. Widnall of MIT as the newest member of the board. Dr. Widnall, former Secretary of the Air Force, is an expert in aircraft turbulence and spiraling airflows.
CAIB Issues Preliminary Recommendations
The Columbia Accident Investigation Board today issued two preliminary recommendations to NASA. Additionally, the Board issued several facts regarding the shuttle program.
CAIB Issues Preliminary Recommendation Four
The Columbia Accident Investigation Board today issued its fourth preliminary finding and recommendation to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in advance of its appearance in the final report.
CAIB Issues Preliminary Recommendation Five - On-Board Ascent Imaging
The Columbia Accident Investigation Board today issued its fifth preliminary finding and recommendation to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in advance of its appearance in the final report.
Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) Releases Working Scenario
After 3 months of intense investigation including thorough reviews of space shuttle hardware forensic analysis, orbiter telemetry, Modular Auxiliary Data System (MADS) recorder measurements, general public still and video photography, hypersonic wind tunnel testing, and aerodynamic and thermal analysis, the Columbia Accident Investigation Board has reached these following preliminary conclusions.
CAIB Releases Final Report
The Columbia Accident Investigation Board today presented its final report on the causes of the Feb. 1, 2003 Space Shuttle accident to the White House, Congress and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Asteroids Dedicated To Space Shuttle Columbia Crew
The final crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia was memorialized in the cosmos as seven asteroids orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter were named in their honor on August 6, 2003.

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