On Feb. 1, 2003, seven astronauts were killed when the shuttle broke up over Texas preparing to land at Florida's Kennedy Space Center

The fiery disintegration of Columbia ultimately led to the loss of lives and the retirement of NASA's shuttle fleet. But as it turns out, there's more to the story that makes it so much worse. As you'll find out, the worst part of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster might not be what you think.

Born and raised in India, Kalpana Chawla was discouraged from pursuing a career in aeronautical engineering because there were limited career options for women in that field. But she persisted, getting her degree and then moving to the US to obtain other, more advanced education before joining NASA and becoming the first Indian-born woman to go to space. Though she was killed in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, she continues to inspire girls in India and around the world to pursue their dreams of spaceflight. In this chapter book biography by acclaimed author Raakhee Mirchandani, readers learn about the amazing life of Kalpana Chawla--and how she persisted. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton. B&W INTERIOR

Seven astronauts died when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon reentry on Feb. 1, 2003. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy looks back on the tragedy and how it shaped the agency.

On Feb. 1, 2003, seven astronauts were killed when the shuttle broke up over Texas preparing to land at Florida's Kennedy Space Center

by Kevin Orrman-Rossiter The clothes we wear have both form and function. Real spacesuits are no different. Like a second skin they must provide a protective barrier for the astronaut. At the same...

Laura Husband is a vocalist and speaker who lives in the Houston area. Fifteen years ago, she lost her father, Colonel Rick Husband, when the space shuttle Columbia crashed sixteen minutes prior to its intended landing. Laura takes us back to that moment with poignancy and grit. She honestly shares…

An article about the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster on 1 February 2003 that killed all seven members of the crew.

Kalpana Chawla met Jean Pierre at Texas University in 1982. After 1 year of dating Kalpana married Jean in 1983. She died in 2003 in Columbia space shuttle disaster. Kalpana Chawla love story.

On Feb. 1, 2003, seven astronauts were killed when the shuttle broke up over Texas preparing to land at Florida's Kennedy Space Center

On Feb. 1, 2003, seven astronauts were killed when the shuttle broke up over Texas preparing to land at Florida's Kennedy Space Center

On Feb. 1, 2003, seven astronauts were killed when the shuttle broke up over Texas preparing to land at Florida's Kennedy Space Center

On Feb. 1, 2003, seven astronauts were killed when the shuttle broke up over Texas preparing to land at Florida's Kennedy Space Center