History
A Nation in Mourning - Space Shuttle Columbia
By ClassBrain Staff
Sep 1, 2007, 11:23 PST

A Nation in Mourning

As America welcomed the morning of February 1, 2003, one by one her citizens turned on televisions, radios, had conversations with neighbors, spoke with family members and had their guts wrenched with the senselessness of losing the Space Shuttle Columbia. For some of us it was like living the Challenger disaster all over again. For the sake of discovery, for the sake of our country, seven brave people took a risk that should be remembered every time a shuttle takes off and lands successfully. Our prayers go out to the family members of Rick D. Husband, William C. McCool, Michael P. Anderson, David M. Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Laurel Blair Salton Clark, and llan Ramon. The contributions made by your loved ones cannot be measured.

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(01/16/2003) --- KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-107 crew heads for the Astrovan and a ride to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff. credit: http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/

(01/16/2003) --- KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Through a cloud-washed blue sky above Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Columbia hurtles toward space on mission STS-107.. credit: http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/

• If you are a student looking for resources on Columbia and her crew, click here for profiles, the latest news, and a mission overview from NASA.
  
  
• If you are a teacher looking for Express Lessons and Online Resources from NASA, click here. Click here for more.
  
  
• If you are a parent looking for exceptional NASA websites for kids, click here. Click here for more.
  

• If you are a citizen looking for the latest news coverage on the Space Shuttle Columbia, go to CNN.com or space.com.

The Following Alerts have been issued by NASA...

Debris Warning
Hazardous chemicals may be present in debris. Do not handle or move any debris.

Located Debris
All debris is United States Government property and is critical to the investigation of the shuttle accident. Any and all debris from the accident is to be left alone and reported to Government authorities. Unauthorized persons found in possession of accident debris will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. If you find any debris, please call the Johnson Space Center Emergency Operations Center, (281) 483-3388.

Photos / Video Footage
In order to complete the accident investigation, NASA asks that any persons with photographs or video footage call the Johnson Space Center Emergency Operations Center, (281) 483-3388.