Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB)

The Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) was formed to examine the causes of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, which occurred when the shuttle disintegrated upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere in 2003. The board analyzed technical failures, organizational issues, and communication problems that contributed to the accident. Their findings revealed that a piece of foam insulation from the shuttle's external tank struck the left wing during launch, damaging heat-resistant tiles. This damage allowed hot gases to penetrate during re-entry, leading to the shuttle's destruction. The CAIB's work aimed to improve safety and prevent future spaceflight tragedies by identifying and addressing underlying issues.