Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, Space Shuttle in United States
The Space Shuttle Columbia was the first spaceworthy orbiter in NASA's Space Shuttle fleet.
On February 1, 2003, the Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven crew members.
The disaster had a profound impact on the US, leading to renewed questioning about the wisdom of human spaceflight.
Mainly used for deploying and repairing satellites, the orbiter also carried large payloads to various orbits.
Columbia was the only shuttle to have been flown into space on the inaugural mission of its type.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Part of
STS-107
GPS coordinates
33.56670,-101.88300
Latest update
August 31, 2026 11:51
