Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster

On the morning of February 1, 2003, millions watched in horror as the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. What began as a routine return from a 16-day scientific mission quickly turned into one of NASA's darkest hours. Seven astronauts lost their lives that day, leaving behind a nation in mourning and countless questions about the future of space exploration. The Columbia disaster wasn't just a tragedy; it was a wake-up call that exposed critical flaws in NASA's safety protocols and decision-making processes. Today, we'll delve into the events leading up to this catastrophe, examine its far-reaching consequences, and explore how it reshaped the landscape of space travel forever.

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