description Space Shuttle Columbia Overview
Space Shuttle Columbia (OV-102) was the first operational orbiter in NASA's Space Shuttle fleet and conducted the program's maiden voyage on April 12, 1981, when the STS-1 mission crewed by John Young and Robert Crippen reached orbit. It flew 28 missions over 22 years, carrying the first commercial Spacelab payloads and servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. On February 1, 2003, Columbia disintegrated during reentry after mission STS-107, killing all seven crew members due to damage sustained during launch when foam insulation struck the left wing's thermal protection system.
help Space Shuttle Columbia FAQ
Why was Columbia's first flight historically important?
STS-1 launched on April 12, 1981, making Columbia the first reusable Space Shuttle orbiter to reach space. John Young and Robert Crippen crewed the two-person test mission.
What caused the Columbia disaster?
During the STS-107 launch, insulating foam from the external tank struck and breached the left wing's thermal-protection system. Superheated gas entered the damaged wing during reentry on February 1, 2003, leading to the orbiter's destruction.
How many missions did Space Shuttle Columbia fly?
Columbia completed 27 missions and was lost during its 28th, STS-107. Its career included the first Shuttle flight and several dedicated science missions.
Was Columbia returning from the International Space Station when it was lost?
No, STS-107 was a 16-day research mission that did not visit the International Space Station. Its seven-person crew conducted experiments in the Spacehab module before beginning the fatal return to Earth.
explore Explore More
Similar to Space Shuttle Columbia
compare_arrows Compare: Space Shuttle Atlantis See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
