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.)

Texas Links

Texas had more links to STS-107 and the ensuing disaster than any other state. Commander Husband and Pilot McCool graduated from Texas high schools. Mission Specialist Chawla graduated from college in Texas. And the vast majority of Columbia debris was found in East Texas.

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