STS-107

STS-107
NASA · Public domain · source
Mission name	STS-107
Spacecraft	Space Shuttle Columbia
Launch site	Kennedy Space Center
Launch date	January 16, 2003
Crew members	Rick Husband, William C. McCool, Michael P. Anderson, Ilán Ramón, Kalpana Chawla, David M. Brown, Laurel B. Clark

STS-107 was the 113th flight of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Shuttle program and the 28th flight of Space Shuttle Columbia. The mission was launched from Kennedy Space Center on January 16, 2003, and was intended to be a 16-day mission. The crew consisted of Rick Husband, William C. McCool, Michael P. Anderson, Ilán Ramón, Kalpana Chawla, David M. Brown, and Laurel B. Clark, who were all affiliated with NASA and the Israel Space Agency. The mission was also supported by European Space Agency and Canadian Space Agency.

Mission Overview

The mission was designed to be a microgravity research mission, with a focus on astrophysics, Earth science, and space science. The crew conducted experiments using the Spacehab module, which was a reusable laboratory that provided a habitable environment for the crew to work in. The mission also included the deployment of several satellites, including the SOLSE and PROTEUS satellites, which were designed to study the Sun and the Earth's magnetic field. The crew worked closely with NASA's Johnson Space Center and Marshall Space Flight Center to ensure the success of the mission.

Crew

The crew of STS-107 was a diverse and experienced group of astronauts, with a range of backgrounds and expertise. Rick Husband was the mission commander, and had previously flown on STS-96. William C. McCool was the pilot, and had a background in aeronautical engineering. Michael P. Anderson was a payload commander, and had a background in physics and mathematics. Ilán Ramón was a payload specialist, and was the first Israeli astronaut to fly on a Space Shuttle mission. Kalpana Chawla was a mission specialist, and had previously flown on STS-87. David M. Brown and Laurel B. Clark were also mission specialists, and had backgrounds in biology and medicine. The crew worked closely with NASA's Astronaut Office and the European Astronaut Centre to prepare for the mission.

Mission Objectives

The primary objectives of the mission were to conduct microgravity research and to deploy several satellites. The crew conducted experiments in the Spacehab module, which included studies of plant growth, animal development, and materials science. The mission also included the deployment of the SOLSE and PROTEUS satellites, which were designed to study the Sun and the Earth's magnetic field. The crew worked closely with NASA's Science Mission Directorate and the National Science Foundation to ensure the success of the mission. The mission also included a range of educational and outreach activities, including a student experiment program and a teacher in space program, which were supported by NASA's Education Office and the National Education Association.

Mission Timeline

The mission was launched from Kennedy Space Center on January 16, 2003, at 10:39 AM Eastern Standard Time. The crew spent the first few days of the mission conducting experiments and deploying the SOLSE and PROTEUS satellites. On January 20, the crew conducted a spacewalk to perform maintenance on the Space Shuttle's thermal protection system. The mission was scheduled to last for 16 days, but was cut short when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry on February 1, 2003. The crew worked closely with NASA's Mission Control Center and the European Space Operations Centre to ensure the success of the mission.

Accident Investigation

The accident investigation was led by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB), which was established by NASA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The investigation found that the accident was caused by a piece of foam insulation that broke off during launch and damaged the Space Shuttle's thermal protection system. The investigation also identified a range of contributing factors, including design flaws and safety culture issues. The CAIB worked closely with NASA's Safety Office and the Federal Aviation Administration to identify the causes of the accident and to develop recommendations for improving space shuttle safety.

Aftermath

The accident had a significant impact on the Space Shuttle program and the NASA organization as a whole. The program was grounded for over two years while safety improvements were made, and the Space Shuttle fleet was eventually retired in 2011. The accident also led to a range of changes in NASA's safety culture and management practices, including the establishment of a new Safety Office and the development of a more robust risk management process. The crew of STS-107 was remembered as heroes and pioneers in the field of space exploration, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of astronauts and engineers. The accident also led to a range of memorials and tributes, including the Space Mirror Memorial at Kennedy Space Center and the Astronaut Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. Category:Space accidents