In memoriam: Space Shuttle Columbia

[Akagi]

Ten days ago was the anniversary of the falling star.

After suffering a foam strike to the left wing, Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated on atmospheric reentry, 8:59:32 am EST, February 1, 2003. A hole in the wing from the impact of foam led to plasma ingress to the interior of the left wing. The wing broke off at 9:00:18, and the vehicle tumbled out of control. The bay doors ripped off, exposing the delicate internal structure. Complete breakup occurred, separating the crew compartment from the vehicle, at 9:00:25. By 9:00:35, all seven crew members were unconscious, resulting from the depressurization of the crew compartment.

All pieces of the orbiter had struck the ground by 9:35.

Between loss of signal and the deaths of the crew, one minute and seven seconds had elapsed. During that time, either Husband or McCool had reset the autopilot, and McCool had attempted to restore hydraulic systems at some point after 9:00:05.

Rick Husband, commander, died aboard the vessel. You will not be forgotten.

William C. McCool, pilot, died aboard the vessel. You will not be forgotten.

Michael P. Anderson, mission specialist, died aboard the vessel. You will not be forgotten.

Kalpana Chawla, mission specialist, died aboard the vessel. You will not be forgotten.

David M. Brown, mission specialist, died aboard the vessel. You will not be forgotten.

Laurel Clark, mission specialist, died aboard the vessel. You will not be forgotten.

Ilan Ramon, payload specialist, died aboard the vessel. איר וועט ניט פאַרגעסן ווערן.

 

Never forget.

קיינמאָל פאַרגעסן.

[Abel Military Services]

R.I.P, and may their souls rest among the stars.