STS-107

STS-107 was a space shuttle mission by NASA using the Space Shuttle Columbia, launched January 16, 2003. The seven-member crew was killed on February 1, 2003, when the shuttle disintegrated during reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. The cause for the accident was a piece of foam that broke off during launch and smashed a hole in the left wing. During reentry the damaged wing slowly overheated and came apart, eventually leading to loss of control and total disintegration of the vehicle. (For more on the accident, see Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.)

Related Topics:
Space shuttle - NASA - Space Shuttle Columbia - January 16 - 2003 - February 1 - Reentry - Earth's atmosphere - Space Shuttle Columbia disaster

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