The STS mission began on the morning of January 16th, 2003. Seven crew members, Rick D. Husband (commander), William C. McCool (pilot), Michael P. Anderson (payload commander), David M. Brown (mission specialist 1), Kalpna  Chawla (mission specialist 2), Laurel Blair Salton Clark (mission specialist 4), and Ilan Ramon (payload specialist 1), went on the mission. On February 1, 2003, as the shuttle was entering earth, Columbia sadly exploded in mid-air.

As the astronauts walked on board the shuttle,
they were incognizant that they wouldn't return.

Our site is dedicated to the family and friends of the seven heroes who lost their lives.