American colonel, pilot, and astronaut
David M. Brown, American captain, pilot, and astronaut
Kalpana Chawla, Indian-American engineer and astronaut
Laurel Clark, American captain, surgeon, and astronaut
Rick Husband, American colonel, pilot, and astronaut
William C. McCool, American commander, pilot, and astronaut
Ilan Ramon, Israeli colonel, pilot, and astronaut
American colonel
pilot
and astronaut
David M. Brown
American captain
pilot
and astronaut
Kalpana Chawla
Indian-American engineer and astronaut
Laurel Clark
American captain
surgeon
and astronaut
Rick Husband
American colonel
pilot
and astronaut
William C. McCool
American commander
pilot
and astronaut
Ilan Ramon
Israeli colonel
pilot
and astronaut
Seven astronauts who perished in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster on re-entry.
On February 1, 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry, tragically killing all seven crew members.
The crew included Michael P. Anderson, David M. Brown, Kalpana Chawla (the first Indian-American woman in space), Laurel Clark, Rick Husband, William C. McCool, and Ilan Ramon (Israel's first astronaut).
They were conducting scientific experiments and research in microgravity during mission STS-107.
The disaster prompted a comprehensive review and overhaul of NASA's shuttle safety procedures.
The bravery and dedication of the Columbia crew continue to inspire future generations of space explorers.
2003
Space Shuttle Columbia
Michael P. Anderson
David M. Brown
Kalpana Chawla
Laurel Clark
Rick Husband
William C. McCool
Ilan Ramon
American colonel, pilot, and astronaut
American colonel
pilot
and astronaut
American Air Force colonel and NASA astronaut who perished in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.
Michael P. Anderson was a United States Air Force colonel, physicist, and NASA astronaut.
Selected by NASA in 1994, he flew as a mission specialist and payload commander on two Space Shuttle missions.
Anderson logged over 30 days in space, conducting scientific experiments aboard Endeavour and Columbia.
On February 1, 2003, he tragically lost his life during the Columbia disaster while returning to Earth.
His dedication to space science and exploration inspired fellow astronauts and future generations.
He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and other honors.
Michael P. Anderson
American captain, pilot, and astronaut
American captain
pilot
and astronaut
American naval captain and NASA astronaut who died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.
David M. Brown was a United States Navy captain and astronaut selected by NASA in 1996.
He served as a mission specialist on the STS-107 Columbia mission, conducting experiments in microgravity.
Brown accrued over 15 days in space, focusing on biomedical and atmospheric studies.
On February 1, 2003, he lost his life along with his crewmates during Columbia's re-entry.
A skilled pilot and scientist, Brown inspired colleagues with his leadership and curiosity.
His legacy endures through educational programs encouraging careers in science and engineering.
David M. Brown
American engineer and astronaut
American engineer and astronaut
Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American aerospace engineer and NASA astronaut. She was the first woman of Indian origin to fly in space.
Born in Karnal, India, Kalpana Chawla earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering before moving to the United States.
She completed a master's and doctorate in aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Chawla was selected by NASA in 1995 and made her first spaceflight on STS-87 in 1997.
In 2003, she served as a mission specialist on STS-107, conducting microgravity experiments aboard Columbia.
She logged over 30 days in space and inspired young scientists around the world.
Chawla tragically perished during reentry on February 1, 2003, when Columbia disintegrated over Texas.
She was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and other accolades for her pioneering contributions.
Kalpana Chawla
American captain, surgeon, and astronaut
American captain
surgeon
and astronaut
Laurel Clark was a U.S. Navy flight surgeon and NASA astronaut. She flew as a mission specialist on STS-107, conducting scientific and educational experiments.
Born in Ames, Iowa, Laurel Clark earned degrees in biology and medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
She served as a U.S. Navy flight surgeon aboard aircraft carriers before joining NASA's astronaut corps in 1996.
Clark was involved in robotics operations and crew support for the International Space Station program.
In 2003, she flew as a mission specialist on STS-107, leading biology and technology experiments in microgravity.
She logged over 15 days in space and inspired students through live educational outreach from orbit.
Clark lost her life during Columbia's reentry on February 1, 2003, sharing the tragic fate of her crewmates.
She received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal posthumously for her dedication and service.
Laurel Clark
American colonel, pilot, and astronaut
American colonel
pilot
and astronaut
Rick Husband was a U.S. Air Force colonel, test pilot, and NASA astronaut. He commanded the final Columbia mission, STS-107.
Born in Amarillo, Texas, Rick Husband earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at Texas Tech University.
He served as a fighter pilot and test pilot in the U.S. Air Force before being selected by NASA in 1994.
Husband flew as pilot on STS-96 in 1999, the first docking mission to the International Space Station.
In 2003, he commanded STS-107, overseeing science and engineering experiments aboard Columbia.
He logged over 30 days in space and championed educational outreach with students worldwide.
Husband perished when Columbia broke apart during reentry on February 1, 2003.
He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and other distinctions for his leadership.
Rick Husband
American commander, pilot, and astronaut
American commander
pilot
and astronaut
William C. McCool was a U.S. Navy commander, naval aviator, and NASA astronaut. He piloted the Space Shuttle Columbia mission STS-107.
Born in San Diego, California, William C. McCool graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in applied science.
He became a naval aviator and test pilot, flying F/A-18 Hornets before his selection by NASA in 1996.
McCool served in technical assignments at NASA before his first spaceflight.
In 2003, he flew as the pilot on STS-107, conducting multidisciplinary research aboard Columbia.
He managed shuttle systems and navigation, logging over 15 days in orbit.
McCool died during Columbia's reentry on February 1, 2003, in a tragic accident.
He was posthumously honored with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and other awards.
William C. McCool
Israeli colonel, pilot, and astronaut
Israeli colonel
pilot
and astronaut
Ilan Ramon was Israel's first astronaut and an Israeli Air Force colonel. He flew as a payload specialist on STS-107.
Born in Ramat Gan, Israel, Ilan Ramon served as a fighter pilot in the Israeli Air Force, participating in critical missions.
He flew F-16s and served as an experimental test pilot before retiring with the rank of colonel.
Ramon was selected as Israel's first astronaut and trained with NASA in the late 1990s.
In 2003, he flew as a payload specialist on STS-107, carrying experiments and symbolic items aboard Columbia.
He brought a Torah scroll fragment and a drawing by a Holocaust survivor to honor his heritage.
Ramon and his crewmates perished during Columbia's reentry on February 1, 2003.
He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and became a national hero in Israel.
Ilan Ramon