Space Shuttle Columbia Mission STS-107 ended in tragedy on February 1, 2003, when the shuttle broke up during re-entry minutes before it was to have landed at Florida's Kennedy Space Center after completing a 16-day scientific research mission. All seven astronauts aboard were killed (left to right): David M. Brown, 46, Mission Specialist; Commander Rick D. Husband, 45, who lead the crew; Laurel Clark, 41, Mission Specialist; Kalpana Chawla, 41, Mission Specialist; Michael P. Anderson, 43, Payload Commander; William C. McCool, 41, Pilot; and Ilan Ramon, 48, Payload Specialist and representative of the Israeli Space Agency.
On January 28, 2003, Columbia's commander Rick Husband remembered NASA's fallen heroes of Challenger and Apollo I with these words: "It is today that we remember and honor the crews of Apollo 1 and Challenger. They made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives and service to their country and for all mankind. Their dedication and devotion to the exploration of space was an inspiration to each of us, and still motivates people around the world to achieve great things in service to others. As we orbit the Earth, we will join the entire NASA family for a moment of silence in their memory. Our thoughts and prayers go to their families as well." And now, we remember Commander Husband and his crew, seven more fallen heroes, who belong to history.
The Community Press