Space Shuttle Columbia

The Space Shuttle Columbia was a reusable spacecraft used by NASA for missions from 1981 until its tragic accident in 2003. It consisted of an orbiter (the crew compartment), solid rocket boosters, and an external fuel tank. Columbia carried astronauts and cargo to space, conducted scientific experiments, and assembled parts of the International Space Station. On its final flight, in 2003, damage to its thermal protection during launch led to the shuttle disintegrating during re-entry, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members. The disaster prompted major safety reviews and changes in spaceflight procedures.