STS-107

STS-107 was a NASA space shuttle mission launched in January 2003 aimed at conducting scientific research aboard the International Space Station and in remote areas of space. The shuttle, Columbia, carried a diverse group of scientists and equipment to perform experiments in microgravity. Tragically, when Columbia re-entered Earth's atmosphere in February 2003, the shuttle disintegrated, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members. The accident was later attributed to damage sustained during launch, which compromised the shuttle’s heat shield, highlighting the risks of human spaceflight and leading to significant safety reviews and improvements in space mission procedures.