Post by Nemesis on Feb 3, 2003 3:51:01 GMT -5
The launch
Space Shuttle Columbia launched January 16 from Kennedy Space Center on its 28th mission. Seven astronauts, 6 Americans and 1 Israeli, set off on a science mission with some 80 experiments.
In-flight
The crew worked around-the-clock during their 16-day mission in space. The trip was especially important for Israelis, as their first ever astronaut, Ilan Ramon, was aboard.
Mission Control
NASA lost contact with the spaceship while it was at an altitude of about 40 miles and traveling at six times the speed of sound. While headed for a Florida landing, Columbia broke apart about 38 miles above the Earth.
'Ball of fire'
At about 8 a.m. (9 a.m. EST) on February 1, a Palestine, Texas resident reported a tornado-like sound that "shook the house." Another witness described seeing a "ball of fire" as the space shuttle rocketing towards the earth.
Nothing left but debris
Bits of machinery and other metal debris were found strewn across Nacogdoches, Texas, in the hours following the breakup of the shuttle. Authorities warned bystanders to stay clear of the debris for fear toxic substances would be present.
Bush addresses the nation
After an announcement was made that there were no survivors in the crash, President Bush addressed the nation. "All Americans today are thinking, as well, of the families of these men and women who have been given this sudden shock and grief," he said.
The Crew
Click the images below for a profile
Click the images below for a bigger version
