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.)

Insignia

The central element of the patch is the microgravity symbol, µg, flowing into the rays of the astronaut symbol.

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The mission inclination is portrayed by the 39 degree angle of the astronaut symbol to the Earth's horizon. The sunrise is representative of the numerous experiments that are the dawn of a new era for continued microgravity research on the International Space Station and beyond. The breadth of science and the exploration of space is illustrated by the Earth and stars. The constellation Columba (the dove) was chosen to symbolize peace on Earth and the Space Shuttle Columbia. The seven stars also represent the mission crew members and honor the original astronauts who paved the way to make research in space possible. Six of the stars are five pointed, the other is six pointed like a Star of David, symbolizing the Israeli Space Agency's contributions to the mission.

Related Topics:
Inclination - Horizon - Constellation - Columba - Dove - Peace - Star of David

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An Israeli flag is adjacent to the name of Payload Specialist Ramon, who was the first Israeli to fly aboard the space shuttle.

Related Topics:
Israel - Payload Specialist Ramon - Space shuttle

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