Anniversary of Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster

Today is the 20th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, when the orbiter broke up on reentry. I just drove by Space Center Houston, and the orbiter mockup sitting on the back of the 747 brought back some sad memories of that day and those that followed.

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Budwick · 70-79, M

It was all so sad.
I remember people holding out hope even after watching the exploded pieces streak across the sky.

exexec · 61-69, C

@Budwick We had been concerned about reentry since we didn't know how big a hole was in the orbiter. As soon as we saw the first sign of a breakup, we knew the crew was lost. We gave our staff paid leave if they wanted to help search for wreckage and remains in East Texas.