Space Shuttle Returns To Earth - CBS News
Collins Glides To Smooth Landing
www.cbsnews.comQuick answer: The Space Shuttle that blew up during reentry was Columbia (STS-107) in February 2003.
Context and details:
- Columbia disintegrated over Texas during reentry on February 1, 2003, killing all seven astronauts aboard. The disaster followed a damage event from a foam piece striking the left wing during launch, which created a breach in the thermal protection system, allowing superheated air to penetrate the wing during reentry.[1][7]
- The incident remains NASA’s deadliest disaster in spaceflight, prompting extensive investigations and a fleet-wide review of safety and risk management practices.[7]
- Notable related history: Challenger exploded during launch in 1986 due to O-ring failures, while other Shuttle missions ended in different outcomes or retirement in 2011.[3][6][9]
If you’d like, I can pull more up-to-date summaries or primary investigation documents and provide a concise timeline with key findings and lessons learned.