In fact, by the turn of the twenty-first century, NASA had made space travel seem to be an everyday occurrence. Sending human beings into outer space is never a routine exercise, and the space agency has generally been credited with maintaining a good record. Since its founding in 1958, NASA has been successful in accomplishing its missions. The final report, issued on August 26, 2003, faulted NASA for the explosion because the agency had overlooked problems that had been plaguing the aging Columbia for years. A thorough investigation was initiated the day following the explosion. The space shuttle program, which had been regarded by many Americans as engaging in "routine" missions, came under intense examination. It was the first major accident since 1986, when the space shuttle Challenger exploded less than two minutes after takeoff, with most of the nation watching on television. The space shuttle Columbia, carrying a crew of seven, broke up while attempting to reenter Earth's atmosphere after a sixteen-day mission. On February 1, 2003, the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) was dealt a severe blow. Published in 2003 available at Columbia Accident Investigation Board The exhibit, APPEL training and a centerwide event focusing on lessons learned all will be a part of the traveling program.Īn edited version of the “Columbia: The Mission Continues” event will be released in the near future.Excerpts from Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report, The tour includes an exhibit of nine Columbia artifacts, which are on display in the lobby of Kennedy’s old Headquarters building through April 23, and training from APPEL Knowledge Services. “We are returning Columbia back to flight on a new mission to inspire, educate and powerfully share the invaluable lessons learned from the past to help bring us successfully into the future,” said Kennedy Associate Director, Technical, Kelvin Manning, who delivered the opening remarks. The event was held on the 38 th anniversary of STS-1, April 12, 1981, the first orbital spaceflight of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. Kelvin Manning, Kennedy Space Center associate director, technical, delivers opening remarks for “Columbia: The Mission Continues.” The event took place on the 38th anniversary of STS-1, the first orbital spaceflight of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. The space shuttle Columbia national tour launched at Kennedy Space Center on April 12, 2019, embarking on an educational journey that will take the program to all 10 NASA centers throughout the country.Īpollo Challenger Columbia Lessons Learned Program (ACCLLP) Manager Mike Ciannilli was the master of ceremonies for “Columbia: The Mission Continues,” an event that featured remarks from NASA senior managers and astronaut Shane Kimbrough, a “Lessons of Columbia” discussion with former space shuttle launch directors Bob Sieck and Mike Leinbach, multimedia presentations and a powerful speech by Evelyn Husband Thompson, widow of STS-107 Commander Rick Husband. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett Veteran space reporter John Zarrella, left, moderates a “Lessons of Columbia” discussion with former space shuttle launch directors Mike Leinbach, center, and Bob Sieck in Kennedy Space Center’s Training Auditorium on April 12, 2019.
Husband Thompson was one of the presenters for “Columbia: The Mission Continues,” an event organized by the Apollo Challenger Columbia Lessons Learned Program (ACCLLP). Evelyn Husband Thompson, widow of STS-107 Commander Rick Husband, speaks to NASA civil service and contractor employees and guests in Kennedy Space Center’s Training Auditorium on April 12, 2019.