Biography of Columbia Crew

On February 1, 2003, after a successful 16-day science mission, Space Shuttle Columbia and her devoted crew-Rick Husband, William McCool, Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel Clark, and Ilan Ramon-prepared to glide home. Over Texas, the orbiter gently came apart during re-entry, and all seven passed together among the morning stars. From America, India, and Israel, they had worked as one family, conducting experiments that advanced medicine and understanding. Pieces recovered now rest in peaceful silence at Kennedy Space Center. Their legacy lives in continued exploration and the gentle reminder that reaching for knowledge requires courage. Each launch since carries their quiet blessing.