Pioneers of the Sky

Columbia STS-107 Flight

It was the 88th mission since the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986 and the 28th flight of the venerable Space Shuttle Columbia, but STS-107 ended in tragedy when the shuttle disintegrated upon re-entry on February 1, 2003. President George W. Bush addressed the nation that night, “My fellow Americans, this day has brought terrible news, and great sadness to our country.” Despite the tragedy, several of Columbia’s experiments were able to be salvaged.