February 2003 Space News

SHUTTLE VIDEO VOA 28 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space agency, NASA, has released a videotape of the crew of the doomed shuttle Columbia in their last minutes of life before the craft disintegrated one month ago.
MARGARET WEITEKAMP VOA 28 Feb 2003 -- NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe answered questions from angry U-S lawmakers Thursday who wanted to know why he never saw e-mails from engineers warning that the Space Shuttle Columbia could fall apart. Columbia broke apart upon re-entry February first, killing all seven astronauts. A piece of insulating foam breaking off and striking the shuttle during lift-off is a possible cause of the disaster. Worried engineers wrote a series of e-mail memos the day before the scheduled landing, saying the shuttle's left wing could fall off and doom the crew, if super-hot gases leaked into the landing gear wheel well.
SHUTTLE / SPACE STATION VOA 27 Feb 2003 -- The United States and its international space station partners have agreed to use Russian spacecraft to exchange station crews as long as U-S space shuttles remain grounded because of the Columbia accident. The size of the station crew will decrease.
Pilot school highlights space education AFPN 27 Feb 2003 -- With the increasing push for a military space force, Department of Defense officials are expanding the Air Force envelope to include space education with an emphasis on military application.
SHUTTLE / SPACE STATION VOA 27 Feb 2003 -- The United States and its international space station partners have agreed to use Russian spacecraft to exchange station crews as long as U-S space shuttles remain grounded after the Columbia accident.
Northrop Grumman Delivers High-Power Solid-State Laser for Missile Defense Agency's Airborne Laser Program Northrop Grumman 26 Feb 2003 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Space Technology sector has delivered the Beacon Illuminator Laser (BILL), a high-power solid-state laser and a key component of the Missile Defense Agency's Airborne Laser (ABL) program.
SHUTTLE PROBE VOA 25 Feb 2003 -- U-S investigators say a badly burned piece of thermal tile from the doomed space shuttle Columbia might hold clues to why the spacecraft disintegrated upon re-entry from orbit. The location where it was found and its original place on the orbiter make it a potentially important discovery.
Boeing Introduces Lightweight, High Efficiency C-Band Amplifier (photo) Boeing 25 Feb 2003 -- Boeing Electron Dynamic Devices, Inc. (EDD), a business unit of The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), has completed the development of a lightweight, high efficiency, C-Band traveling wave tube (TWT) for satellite downlink applications.
African-Americans in Space VOA 24 Feb 2003 -- tragic death of African-American astronaut Michael P. Anderson aboard the shuttle Columbia during Black History Month made the nation pause and think of those other African-Americans who were chosen to fly in space.
Navy Salvage and Diving Teams Assist in Shuttle Columbia Recovery Navy NewStand 24 Feb 2003 -- As the search for remnants of the Space Shuttle Columbia continue, Navy salvage and dive teams are now on scene to provide assistance searching several lakes in this region of Texas that is normally known only to avid fishermen. The Navy's presence in this extensive effort could aide in finding clues that could bring closure to this national tragedy.
War game tests space assets AFSPC 21 Feb 2003 -- Although the calendar on the wall reads 2003, the playing field in this room operates against a backdrop of the year 2017. Schriever flipped the calendar pages ahead 14 years Feb. 20 for an eight-day space war game that involves military use of new space systems, which may include Space-Based Radar and updated Satellite Communications Systems. The only thing at stake is determining how the United States military conducts space operations for years to come.
SHUTTLE / FOAM VOA 21 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space agency, NASA, has released documents showing that the doomed shuttle Columbia was struck by three pieces of stiff insulating foam at launch, not one as noted previously. Investigators are probing the possibility that the foam impact may have led to Columbia's demise upon landing.
SHUTTLE / PROBE VOA 21 Feb 2003 -- U-S investigators are seeking every photograph and movie they can find of the disintegration of the space shuttle Columbia to help them locate debris. They are seeking pieces from the earliest stages of the orbiter's break-up.
SHUTTLE-SPACE STATION VOA 20 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space agency NASA says a decision is close on how to exchange the international space station crew while the U-S shuttle fleet is grounded. The moratorium on shuttle flights during the Columbia disaster probe is putting the spotlight on Russian Soyuz rockets to serve the station.
MARS-WATER VOA 19 Feb 2003 -- Two U-S spacecraft orbiting Mars have found signs that liquid water can survive on the Red Planet, despite its freezing climate and thin atmosphere. The clues pointing to this are recently discovered gullies apparently eroded by the water.
SHUTTLE PROBE VOA 18 Feb 2003 -- The panel investigating the space shuttle Columbia disaster is making itself more independent of the U-S space agency, NASA, which appointed it. The board says it wants to find not only the immediate cause of Columbia's disintegration earlier this month, but also aims to find out possible contributing causes such as NASA management and safety practices.
BABY UNIVERSE VOA 18 Feb 2003 -- Astronomers say they have the best picture ever of when the universe was born, and how it will die.
DOD space chief outlines priorities VOA 14 Feb 2003 -- Things are going well for the national security space program, but America needs a roadmap to ensure future success, the Defense Department's executive agent for space said Feb. 12.
SHUTTLE / PROBE VOA 14 Feb 2003 -- Investigators probing the space shuttle Columbia disaster are visiting a facility in Alabama that overseas the production of massive external fuel tanks that propel shuttles during lift-off.
NASA seeks help from sky watchers AFPN 14 Feb 2003 -- NASA is still seeking help from the American public to supply video and still images of Space Shuttle Columbia on its return flight to Earth. There has been a great public response, officials said, but more material will help the investigation of the Columbia accident.
SHUTTLE FLIGHT DIRECTOR AFPN 14 Feb 2003 -- The American space agency official directing the space shuttle Columbia's return to Earth says he was not expecting any problems with the landing.
SPECIAL ENGLISH AMERICAN MOSAIC VOA 13 Feb 2003 -- Our VOA listener question this week comes from India. Sampath asks about Kalpana Chawla, the Indian-born American astronaut who was one of the seven people killed on the space shuttle Columbia.
Space offers 'high ground' in war on terror, other conflicts AFPN 13 Feb 2003 -- Space-based assets are vitally important to success in the war on terrorism and future conflicts, the Defense Department's executive agent for space said Feb. 12.
Columbia Disaster Opens Door to Examination of U.S. Space Effort Washington File 13 Feb 2003 -- Members of the U.S. Congress and the head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) agree that investigation of the break-up of the space shuttle Columbia will prompt a larger look at where the U.S. space program is headed. NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe testified February 12 at a joint hearing convened by the House and Senate subcommittees that oversee the space program.
Israel Aircraft Industries and Boeing Sign an Agreement to Establish Production Infrastructure to Manufacture Arrow Missile Components in the United States Israel Aerospace Industries 12 Feb 2003 -- Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and The Boeing Company signed last week an agreement to establish the production infrastructure to manufacture components of the IAI-developed Arrow missile in the United States.
DOD's top space official committed to space discovery AFPN 12 Feb 2003 -- Just days after Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart in the skies over Texas, the Department of Defense's executive agent for space said the nation's program would go on.
CONGRESS / NASA VOA 12 Feb 2003 -- The head of the U-S space agency, NASA, told Congress today (Wednesday) that there were no indications of trouble with the space shuttle fleet before the Columbia disaster.
Columbia Investigation: Nacogdoches VOA 12 Feb 2003 -- Truckloads of debris from the space shuttle Columbia have begun arriving at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Each piece of the orbiter will be put in its proper place over a grid marked in yellow and blue tape on the floor of a huge hangar, which also houses the offices of the panel investigating the February 1st disaster. Much of the shuttle broke up over eastern Texas, where the search for more debris is expected to continue for several weeks.
Teets: Space access vital to warfighting efforts AFPN 11 Feb 2003 -- America needs to redouble its efforts to make sure the nation has a vigorous and successful national security space program, the Defense Department's executive agent for space said.
Guard soldiers clean up ruptured shuttle tank Army News 11 Feb 2003 -- Texas National Guard troops trained to test for toxic substances dealt with a dangerous piece of history - a ruptured tank from the space shuttle Columbia's fuel system -- in the Piney Woods region of East Texas in the rainy chill of Feb. 5.
Columbia Accident VOA 11 Feb 2003 -- Seven astronauts and the Space Shuttle Columbia were lost in an accident February first. Today, we tell about the accident and the investigation that is trying to discover the cause. We also tell about the astronauts who were killed.
Israel Aircraft Industries and Boeing Sign an Agreement to Establish Production Infrastructure to Manufacture Arrow Missile Components in the United State Boeing 11 Feb 2003 -- Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and The Boeing Company signed last week an agreement to establish the production infrastructure to manufacture components of the IAI-developed Arrow missile in the United States.
SPACE STATION ASTRONAUTS VOA 11 Feb 2003 -- The International Space Station astronauts say they are not concerned about the extra time they'll remain in orbit because of the space shuttle disaster.
COLUMBIA INVESTIGATION VOA 11 Feb 2003 -- More than 12-thousand pieces of debris from the space shuttle Columbia will soon be arriving at the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The wreckage will be painstakingly examined in hopes of learning what caused the February 1st accident.
ISRAEL-ASTRONAUT VOA 10 Feb 2003 -- A state memorial service has been held in Israel for astronaut Ilan Ramon, shortly after his remains were brought back from the United States. Colonel Ramon was one of seven crewmembers killed when the space-shuttle Columbia broke-up upon re-entry on February first.
SHUTTLE PROBE VOA 10 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space agency NASA says a search team has recovered part of the left wing of the doomed space shuttle Columbia. This part may be important in determining what caused the orbiter to disintegrate on its return to Earth on February 1st.
Scientists Seek to Learn How Much Research Data Lost with Columbia Washignton File 10 Feb 2003 -- The space shuttle Columbia - its 16-day mission devoted entirely to science - carried more than 80 experiments sponsored by space agencies, universities and organizations from around the world.
SHUTTLE PROBE VOA 07 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space agency NASA is analyzing a military photograph that appears to show damage to a wing of the ill-fated shuttle Columbia shortly before it disintegrated last Saturday. But the agency's shuttle chief says the image provides little evidence for the cause of the disaster.
NORAD and USNORTHCOM Provide Support in Response to Columbia Disaster NORTHCOM 07 Feb 2003 -- "The crew in the Cheyenne Mountain command center was monitoring NASAs television channel when communications broke with the space shuttle Columbia," said Maj. Barry Venable, Public Affairs Officer for the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command. "It was clear there was a problem and the Cheyenne Mountain crew members began following emergency procedures."
PRESS CONFERENCE ON MISSILE DEFENCE COSTS United Nations 07 Feb 2010
SHUTTLE PROBE VOA 07 Feb 2003 -- U-S space agency officials confirmed Friday that they are analyzing military photographs that appear to show damage to the space shuttle Columbia, shortly before it disintegrated over Texas last week. Searchers in Texas have also found part of one of the shuttle's wings.
Boeing and HAVELSAN Announce Missile Defense Partnership Boeing 07 Feb 2003 -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and HAVELSAN, a leading software company in the Republic of Turkey, have announced a memorandum of understanding to pursue solutions in regional and global ballistic missile defense.
Reservists Support Columbia Emergency Response NNS 07 Feb 2003 -- As soon as it was reported that space shuttle Columbia had broken up over Texas, what began as a normal training weekend turned into an impromptu support mission for Navy Reserve public affairs units training at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) Fort Worth.
SHUTTLE PROBE VOA 06 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space agency NASA will investigate the possibility that foam debris damaged the shuttle Columbia's wing during launch, although it says it still considers it an unlikely cause of the orbiter's disintegration Saturday. As search teams continue the hunt for debris, an independent board has taken control of the investigation from NASA.
U.S. Appreciates Support of International Space Partners Washington File 06 Feb 2003 -- Support from America's international partners in the exploration of space is appreciated "more than ever" in times of tragedy, U.S. diplomat Douglas A. Davidson said February 6
Space Shuttle Science VOA 06 Feb 2003 -- When NASA first conceived of the Space Shuttle, the idea was to design a rocket that could be reusable and more economical and versatile than the standard disposable stage rockets. David Aiken, an associate professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Maryland, worked at the Kennedy Space Center soon after the shuttle program was approved in 1972. He believes that in hindsight the reusability aspect of the Space Shuttle was grossly overestimated.
National Guard assists in search for shuttle debris Army News 06 Feb 2003 -- National Guard airmen and soldiers joined the grim and painstaking search for debris from the ill-fated Space Shuttle Columbia soon after it disintegrated over Texas the morning of Feb. 1.
Honoring India's First Female Astronaut VOA 06 Feb 2003 -- About 400 students and teachers at space shuttle astronaut Kalpana Chawla's (kal-pawna chav-la)former college in India, observed two minutes of silence on Monday to honor the memory of the aerospace engineer. Ms. Chawla -- who was born in northern India and attended Punjab Engineering College at Chandigar (chan-di-gar)for four years -- was one of seven astronauts killed when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during reentry into the earth's atmosphere on Saturday after 16 days in space.
Transcript: America's Exploration of Space Will Continue, Cheney says Washington File 06 Feb 2003 -- The "greatest memorial" to the Columbia astronauts who died February 1 when their space shuttle broke apart on reentering earth's atmosphere will be the continued exploration of space, Vice President Dick Cheney said February 6 at a service at the National Cathedral in Washington in memory of the seven.
Text: Researchers Assess Status of Scientific Research Data from Columbia Washington File 06 Feb 2003 -- The space shuttle Columbia carried more than 80 scientific experiments during its 16-day mission, and researchers report several achievements by the seven shuttle astronauts before they perished when Columbia broke up as it descended for a landing on February 1.
Boeing Delays Next Delta IV Launch Boeing 06 Feb 2003 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and U.S. Air Force officials have postponed the Feb. 10 launch of the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) spacecraft, DSCS III A3, aboard a Delta IV Medium launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
ORBITAL SUCCESSFULLY CARRIES OUT FIRST LAUNCH OF MISSILE DEFENSE BOOST VEHICLE Orbital Sciences Corp. 06 Feb 2003 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) announced today that it successfully launched the first prototype of the interceptor boost vehicle the company is developing and manufacturing for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system under a contract from The Boeing Company. In a mission that originated from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, Orbital's GMD boost vehicle was launched at 4:00 p.m. (EST). It flew a ballistic trajectory over the Pacific Ocean, reaching an altitude of approximately 1,125 miles and traveling about 3,500 miles down range from the launch site.
ORBITAL SHIPS PANAMSAT'S GALAXY XII SATELLITE TO LAUNCH SITE Orbital Sciences Corp. 06 Feb 2003 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) announced today that Galaxy XII, the first of three geostationary (GEO) satellites the company is manufacturing for PanAmSat Corporation (NASDAQ: SPOT), has arrived at its launch site in Kourou, French Guiana.
AFRCC takes lead in shuttle search, recovery AFPN 05 Feb 2003 -- Fifteen minutes after NASA's Mission Control in Houston lost contact with Space Shuttle Columbia, the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center here was dispatched to begin search and rescue efforts.
Civil Support Teams Help in Columbia Debris Search AFPS 05 Feb 2003 -- The National Guard Civil Support teams called to duty to handle the aftermath of the Columbia tragedy are uniquely suited to the purpose.
DDMS responds to Columbia disaster AFSPC 05 Feb 2003 -- Within seconds of NASA's announcement that it had lost contact with Space Shuttle Columbia Feb. 1, the Department of Defense Manned Space Flight Support here initiated their catastrophic incident checklists. The DDMS mission is to coordinate NASA requests for DOD's unique capabilities in support of the manned space flight program, if search and rescue is needed.
SHUTTLE PROBE VOA 05 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space agency NASA stands by its original view that a piece of foam that struck the wing of the ill-fated shuttle Columbia during launch did not cause the spacecraft to disintegrate Saturday as it was landing. NASA technicians are struggling to identify another cause of the disaster.
MCALARY-SHUTTLE VOA 05 Feb 2003 -- VOA-TV host David Borgida talks with David McAlary, Space and Science correspondent for Voice of America.
SHUTTLE / MANNED RESEARCH VOA 05 Feb 2003 -- The space shuttle Columbia was on a purely scientific mission when it broke up just minutes before landing on Saturday morning.
SHUTTLE/MEMORIAL VOA 06 Feb 2003 -- A memorial service was held Thursday at the National Cathedral in Washington for the seven astronauts who died aboard the space shuttle Columbia.
SHUTTLE/MEMORIAL VOA 06 Feb 2003 -- A memorial service was held Thursday at the National Cathedral in Washington for the seven astronauts who died aboard the space shuttle Columbia.
SHUTTLE PROBE VOA 05 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space agency NASA stands by its original view that a piece of foam that struck the wing of the ill-fated shuttle Columbia during launch did not cause the spacecraft to disintegrate Saturday as it was landing. NASA technicians are struggling to identify another cause of the disaster.
MCALARY-SHUTTLE VOA 05 Feb 2003 -- VOA-TV host David Borgida talks with David McAlary, Space and Science correspondent for Voice of America.
Mission Success for Boeing-Built Micro-satellite Boeing 05 Feb 2003 -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] announced today that the successful 12-hour mission of the first micro-satellite, known as XSS-10, proves that an autonomous space system can operate near other orbiting space objects.
Astrium awarded Anik satellite contract by Telesat Canada EADS 05 Feb 2003 -- Astrium has been selected, following an international competition, by Telesat to build the ANIK F1R satellite. Planned to enter into service mid 2005, ANIK F1R will provide fixed satellite communications services in C and Ku-bands over a large zone covering North America from the 107.3°degree West Longitude orbit location.
SHUTTLE / MANNED RESEARCH VOA 05 Feb 2003 -- The space shuttle Columbia was on a purely scientific mission when it broke up just minutes before landing on Saturday morning.
ASTRONAUT REMAINS VOA 05 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space agency NASA says it has recovered the remains of all seven astronauts killed in the shuttle Columbia disaster. Their flag-draped coffins have been flown to a military mortuary in Delaware
SHUTTLE DEBATE VOA 05 Feb 2003 -- The demise of the space shuttle Columbia has sparked a new debate over the usefulness of the shuttle program. Space agency officials and members of Congress have said the shuttle program will continue. But shuttle critics are getting a new hearing in the wake of the Columbia disaster.
SHUTTLE/SCIENCE VOA 05 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space agency, NASA, says a lot of the scientific work of the space shuttle Columbia crew has been preserved, despite the tragic end to the mission.
ISRAEL ASTRONAUT VOA 05 Feb 2003 -- The remains of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon, have been found among the debris of the space shuttle Columbia. The remains are expected to be brought back to Israel for burial.
SHUTTLE PROBE VOA 04 Feb 2003 -- The length of the debris strewn from the ill-fated space shuttle Columbia Saturday could be much longer than previously thought. The U-S space agency NASA says it has reports that the shuttle may have begun disintegrating as early as California, thousands of kilometers west of Texas, where most of it dispersed.
BUSH / MEMORIAL VOA 04 Feb 2003 -- President Bush told mourners at the Johnson Space Center Tuesday that the dream of space exploration pursued by the crew of the shuttle Columbia will continue. The seven crewmembers died Saturday when their shuttle broke as it re-entered earth's atmosphere. Mr. Bush offered encouragement to the friends and families of the astronauts at an outdoor memorial service.
COLUMBIA / BOEHLERT VOA 04 Feb 2003 -- The chairman of a key Congressional committee that oversees funding for the U-S space agency, NASA, says no stone will be left unturned in hearings about the space shuttle Columbia disaster. Lawmakers will be looking into whether NASA scrimped on safety due to budget cutbacks.
Bush Honors Memory of Columbia Astronauts at Houston Ceremony Washington File 04 Feb 2003 -- America's space program will continue, President Bush said in remarks February 4 at a memorial ceremony at the NASA Space Center in Houston, Texas for the seven astronauts -- two women and five men -- killed February 1 when the Columbia space shuttle split apart as it was re-entering earth's atmosphere.
Bush Offers Inspiring Words to Grieving Families of the Columbia Crew Washington File 04 Feb 2003 -- The grieving families of the seven astronauts who perished February 1 when their space shuttle Columbia broke apart as it reentered Earth's atmosphere sat with President and First Lady Laura Bush at a February 4 memorial service at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
Department of Defense assets support search effort for space shuttle Columbia AFSC 04 Feb 2003 -- Department of Defense assets currently involved in search, security and transportation operations related to the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia include: U.S. Air Force -- C-141 aircraft from McGuire AFB, N.J., will be used to transport NASA's rapid response team from Kennedy Space Center to Barksdale AFB, La.
RUSSIA / SHUTTLE VOA 04 Feb 2003 -- An unmanned Russian spacecraft successfully docked with the orbiting International Space Station on Tuesday, bringing fuel and supplies to the the two American astronauts and one Russian cosmonaut aboard the station.
EUROPEAN SPACE/SHUTTLE VOA 04 Feb 2003 -- Saturday's fiery breakup of the space shuttle Columbia, carrying seven astronauts, has raised new questions in the United States about the future of shuttle flights. But the Paris-based European Space Agency is among those supporting continuing the shuttle program
ASIA SHUTTLE IMPACT VOA 04 Feb 2003 -- The demise of the U-S space shuttle Columbia (Saturday) and its crew of seven is affecting Asian space programs in very different ways. China will press ahead, Japan is having second thoughts and India will continue to focus on unmanned missions.
The Columbia Disaster -- The Future of America's Space Program VOA 04 Feb 2003 -- At least three government commissions will investigate the Columbia space shuttle tragedy that killed 7 astronauts Saturday -- including the first Indian-born woman to travel into space and Israel's first astronaut. It was the worst space disaster since the shuttle Challenger exploded in 1986.
SHUTTLE/ASTRONAUTS REMEMBERED VOA 03 Feb 2003 -- The entrance of Johnson Space Center in Houston has become a makeshift memorial for the seven astronauts who died Saturday when the space shuttle Columbia broke apart over Texas. The city was home to the astronauts, and many considered them neighbors.
SHUTTLE/ GRIEF COUNSELING VOA 03 Feb 2003 -- In the wake of the Columbia shuttle disaster, the U-S space agency, NASA, must continue to operate, even as its employees struggle to deal with overwhelming emotions surrounding the accident. At the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, mental health professionals have been called in to counsel and assist staffers in the grieving process.
COLUMBIA INVESTIGATION VOA 03 Feb 2003 -- A top NASA official says the U-S space agency is working to recover pieces of heat resistant tiles from the scattered remains of space shuttle Columbia, which could explain what caused it to disintegrate shortly after re-entering the earth's atmosphere.
BUSH/ASTRONAUTS/ SCIENCE VOA 03 Feb 2003 -- President Bush says America is determined to carry on the space exploration that was so important to the crew of the space shuttle Columbia. Mr. Bush says the seven astronauts were on a scientific mission intended to benefit all mankind.
SHUTTLE/SPACE STATION VOA 03 Feb 2003 -- United States and Russia have pledged to keep the International Space Station operating, despite the moratorium on U-S shuttle flights following the Columbia disaster.
COLUMBIA INVESTIGATION VOA 03 Feb 2003 -- U-S space agency officials are looking into whether possible damage to the space shuttle Columbia's heat resistant tiles during lift off may have been a factor in causing the spacecraft to break up over Texas Saturday, killing all seven astronauts on board.
Former Joint Forces Commander to Head Columbia Panel AFPS 03 Feb 2003 -- Retired Adm. Harold Gehman, the first commander of the U.S. Joint Forces Command, will head the Space Shuttle Mishap Interagency Investigation Board to look into the cause of the Columbia shuttle tragedy.
National Guard Takes to the Air and Ground in Columbia Disaster Support AFPS 03 Feb 2003 -- National Guard airmen and soldiers joined the grim and painstaking search for debris from the ill-fated space shuttle Columbia soon after it disintegrated over Texas Feb. 1.
Navy Medicine Grieving The Loss Of Two Of Its Own NNS 03 Feb 2003 -- Navy Medicine is mourning the loss of two colleagues, Capt. David Brown and Cmdr. Laurel Blair Salton Clark. Both were aboard the space shuttle Columbia when it broke apart Feb. 1 during its final descent.
Navy Mourns Loss of Space Shuttle Columbia Crew, 3 of Its Own NNS 03 Feb 2003 -- Space Shuttle Columbia with its crew of seven was lost Feb. 1, during its re-entry to Earth's atmosphere following a mission that began Jan. 16 and included three naval officers.
Powell Expresses Condolences to Astronaut Survivors Washington File 03 Feb 2003 -- In a brief appearance before reporters February 3, Secretary of State Colin Powell expressed his sadness at the loss of the seven astronauts on board the space shuttle Columbia. The spacecraft was destroyed as it reentered Earth's atmosphere on February 1 in an accident still under investigation.
Powell Expresses Condolences to Astronaut Survivors Washington File 03 Feb 2003 -- The crew that perished when the space shuttle Columbia broke apart February 1 minutes before the end of its 16-day mission included six U.S. astronauts - one of them born in India - and Israel's first astronaut - together representing different cultures and different countries of the planet they had soared above.
CONGRESS COLUMBIA VOA 03 Feb 2003 -- The Senate has passed a resolution honoring the astronauts of the ill-fated space shuttle Columbia
The Columbia Disaster -- The Investigation VOA 03 Feb 2003 -- At least three government commissions will investigate the Columbia space shuttle tragedy that killed 7 astronauts Saturday -- including the first Indian-born woman to travel into space and Israel's first astronaut
SHUTTLE RECOVERY MONDAY VOA 03 Feb 2003 -- In Louisiana and Texas, recovery crews continue to gather debris from the space shuttle Columbia, which broke apart Saturday, killing all seven crew members. Shorthanded authorities in Nacogdoches, Texas, are asking for help from the public to locate the wreckage.
SHUTTLE/PROBE VOA 2 Feb 2003 -- The initial investigation into the U-S space shuttle Columbia disaster shows that something went terribly wrong on the orbiter's left side, minutes before it disintegrated on its return to Earth from orbit Saturday. Search teams hunting for shuttle debris on the ground have found remains of some of the seven astronauts killed in the disaster.
SHUTTLE/RECOVERY VOA 2 Feb 2003 -- Recovery work continues in Louisiana and Texas, where debris was scattered over hundreds of kilometers, when the space shuttle Columbia broke apart Saturday. All seven crew members were killed, and officials say some of their remains have been found.
COLUMBIA / MOURNING VOA 2 Feb 2003 -- Across the United States, people are mourning the seven crew members of the space shuttle Columbia. Cape Canaveral, Florida,local residents feel a special connection with the space program, and for whom the Columbia disaster is especially painful.
NASA Head Says Manned Space Flight Program Will Continue Washington File 2 Feb 2003 -- The head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration says his agency plans to continue the U.S. manned space flight program, despite the loss February 1 of the Space Shuttle Columbia and its seven astronauts -- the second fatal accident in the shuttle program, following the explosion on launch 17 years before of the shuttle Challenger.
Byliner: A New Commitment to Space by Senator Nelson Washington File 2 Feb 2003 -- This column by Senator Bill Nelson (D-Florida), who is the ranking minority member of the Armed Services subcommittee on strategic forces, whose jurisdiction includes space issues, first appeared in The Washington Post February 02, 2003 and is in the public domain. No republication restrictions
SHUTTLE/EUROPE/REACT VOA 02 Feb -- A stunned Europe has sent messages of sorrow to America, as the loss of the shuttle Columbia and its seven crew members sinks in. European leaders also sent condolences to Israel, which is mourning the loss of the first Israeli to travel to space
COLUMBIA / INVESTIGATION VOA 02 Feb -- The head of the U-S space agency, NASA, says the investigation of the cause of the Columbia space shuttle disaster will be thorough and completed as quickly as possible so America can begin sending people back into space. At least three government agencies and an independent panel of experts are involved in the probe
BUSH/SHUTTLE VOA 02 Feb -- The White House is pledging a thorough investigation into the loss of the shuttle Columbia and it's seven astronauts, and vows the space program will continue. President Bush has scheduled a meeting with the head of the national space agency for later today (Monday), and plans to pay tribute to the seven shuttle crew members at a memorial service on Tuesday
COLUMBIA / SAFETY VOA 02 Feb -- The head of the space agency, NASA ,says budget cuts did not contribute to the space shuttle Columbia disaster, despite warnings of a watchdog group that a lack of funding might have compromised safety of the shuttle program
SHUTTLE / SUCCESSOR VOA 02 Feb -- Saturday's U-S space shuttle disaster has sparked renewed criticism of the shuttle program, which some experts say is too expensive and unwieldy. In fact, the U-S space agency has been developing a successor to the space shuttle fleet, which it wants to retire in 10 years. The space agency was forced to abandon one radical design, and is now looking at a more evolutionary concept that it hopes can be ready by 2012
SHUTTLE / ASTRONAUTS VOA 02 Feb -- space shuttle astronauts killed in Saturday's Columbia tragedy were part of an elite corps of explorers, who have been probing the frontiers of space. The members of the ill-fated Columbia crew are mourned by their families, their country and colleagues who have also experienced the dangers of space travel.
U-S/SPACE FUTURE VOA 02 Feb -- The demise of the space shuttle Columbia has touched off renewed debate about the future of the U-S space program. Space officials and politicians are promising that the program will rebound
SHUTTLE / ASIA REACTION VOA 02 Feb 2003 -- Asian nations are offering their condolences to the United States for the seven crewmembers lost aboard space shuttle Columbia
COLUMBIA / TILES VOA 02 Feb 2003 -- Officials of the U-S space agency, NASA, probing the loss of the space shuttle Columbia are paying close attention to the orbiter's heat-resistant outer tiles -- some of which may have been damaged when the shuttle was launched more than two weeks ago
SHUTTLE / INDIA ASTRONAUT VOA 02 Feb 2003 -- In India, thousands of people are mourning the death of Kalpana Chawla (PRONO: chav-la), the Indian-born astronaut killed along with six others when the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated
RUSSIA-SPACE UPDATE VOA 02 Feb 2003 -- Russia has launched an unmanned cargo ship on a flight to the International Space Station (I-S-S), one-day after the U-S Space Shuttle Columbia broke-up on re-entry, leaving no survivors
SHUTTLE / JAPAN SPACE PROGRAM VOA 02 Feb 2003 -- There are fears that Japan's space program will be delayed while the United States investigates the Columbia space shuttle disaster. Tokyo is sending experts to the United States to help with the investigation
SHUTTLE: TEXAS REACT VOA 02 Feb 2003 -- At the Johnson Space Center in Houston, hundreds of well-wishers placed flags and mementos on a memorial for the seven astronauts who died Saturday as their space shuttle broke up above Texas. As people grieve in houses of worship, recovery workers are gathering evidence to learn what caused the tragedy.
ISRAEL / SHUTTLE VOA 02 Feb 2003 -- As Israel mourned the death of the nation's first astronaut, its prime minister promised that the Jewish State will remain involved in space travel. Condolences continue to be exchanged between Israel and the United States over the loss of Ilan Ramon and the six American crewmembers who died in the Columbia space shuttle disaster
NASA ASKS FOR HELP WITH COLUMBIA INVESTIGATION NASA 02 Feb -- NASA has established a telephone hotline and electronic mail address for the public to use for reporting information that may help investigators studying today's Space Shuttle mishap.
NASA ANNOUNCES SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BOARD (THE GEHMAN BOARD) NASA 02 Feb -- NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe today announced the members of the Space Shuttle Mishap Interagency Investigation Board, which will provide an independent review of the events and activities that led up to the tragic loss of the seven astronauts Saturday on board the Space Shuttle Columbia.
Two airmen among seven lost in Shuttle disaster AFPN 01 Feb 2003 -- Two Air Force officers were among the seven astronauts lost when the Space Shuttle Columbia apparently broke apart at 9 a.m. EST today in the area over north central Texas. Col. Rick Husband was the mission commander and Lt. Col. Michael Anderson was the payload commander.
DOD supporting shuttle search effort AFPN 01 Feb 2003 -- The Department of Defense assets currently involved in search, security and transportation operations related to the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia include
Statement from the Secretary of Defense on the Space Shuttle Columbia Mishap NNS 01 Feb 2003 -- We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, including the loss of five U.S. service members.
Statement from the Chief of Naval Operations on the Space Shuttle Columbia Mishap NNS 01 Feb 2003 -- Today our Navy family mourns the loss of three of our shipmates. Captain David Brown, Commander Laurel Clark and Commander William McCool dedicated themselves to a lifetime of service. Their sacrifice, commitment and passion for excellence are personal examples to all of their shipmates who are privileged to wear the cloth of our nation.
Statement from the Acting Secretary of the Navy on the Space Shuttle Columbia Mishap NNS 01 Feb 2003 -- Today's tragic events have deeply saddened all Americans and people around the world. The astronauts of the Space Shuttle Columbia represent the best in humanity. The courage, service and sacrifice of these explorers are an inspiration to us all.
Statement by NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe 01 Feb 2003 -- This is indeed a tragic day for the NASA family, for the families of the astronauts who flew on STS-107, and likewise is tragic for the Nation. Immediately upon indication of a loss of communications from STS-107, at a little after 9 a.m., this morning, we began our contingency plan to preserve all the information relative to the flight activities. [PDF 78 Kb]
NASA: A GRIEVING FAMILY VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- Almost exactly 17 years after seven U-S astronauts died in the space shuttle Challenger, tragedy has again come to the U-S space agency NASA. Seven more crewmembers are dead in the Columbia disaster and suddenly, the crisp, official face of NASA turned human in its outpouring of grief
COLUMBIA: TEXAS RECOVERY VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- Workers are retrieving debris from the space shuttle Columbia, which broke up Saturday in the skies over Texas, killing all seven astronauts on board. State authorities are saying human remains have been found among the debris.
DoD Mourns, Begins Help After Columbia Shuttle Tragedy AFPS 01 Feb 2003 -- NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe said the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia and its crew of seven a "tragic day" for the NASA family and America.
Five Astronauts Were in U.S. Military AFPS 01 Feb 2003 -- Five of the seven astronauts killed aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia were serving U.S. military officers
Memorandum for the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency White House 01 Feb 2003 -- I have determined that the emergency conditions in certain areas of the State of Texas in connection with the events relating to the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia on February 1, 2003, are of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant an emergency declaration under section 501(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5206 (the "Stafford Act").
SPACE SHUTTLE VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space agency, NASA, is suspending future shuttle flights until it knows what caused the loss of the shuttle Columbia and its seven- member crew. David McAlary reports that Columbia broke up over Texas Saturday minutes before it was to land in Florida after a 16-day research mission in Earth orbit
SHUTTLE / SPACE STATION VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space Agency, NASA, is putting space shuttle missions on hold until it finds out what caused the shuttle Columbia to break and burn Saturday, killing all seven astronauts on board. The decision could cause problems for the International Space Station, a large scientific outpost in permanent earth orbit. ANASA uses shuttles to ferry crews to and from the space station
All humankind affected by loss of US space shuttle, Annan says UN News Centre 01 Feb 2003 -- Offering his sympathies to those affected by the tragedy which struck the United States space shuttle Colombia, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today said all humankind suffered a loss in the incident.
SHUTTLE/CREW VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The seven-member crew of the space shuttle Columbia was diverse in their heritage and their paths to space flight. Some of the astronauts traveled into space for the first time on Colombia. Others were veterans. All those on the ill-fated mission shared a long-held dream of space travel
SHUTTLE ALTERNATE VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space agency NASA has suspended all space shuttle flights until investigators can determine why the space shuttle Columbia broke apart over Texas Saturday. The United States and much of the world are reacting with shock and sorrow to the loss of Columbia and its seven crew members
SPACE SHUTTLE VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The U-S Agency NASA has suspended future shuttle flights until it knows what caused the loss of the shuttle Columbia as it returned from a 16-day research mission Saturday. Columbia broke up over Texas minutes before it was to land in Florida
Proclamation by the President on the Shuttle Astronauts Washington File 01 Feb 2003 -- HONORING THE MEMORY OF THE ASTRONAUTS ABOARD SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION
Background Information on the COLUMBIA Space Shuttle Mission STS-107 NASA 01 Feb 2003
COLUMBIA DISASTER VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The space shuttle Colombia (which disintegrated during re-entry at the end of a 16 day mission on Saturday) was the oldest orbiter in the space agency's small fleet of craft capable of carrying astronauts into orbit. But space agency officials had expected the ship to perform many more missions.
BUSH / SPACE SHUTTLE VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- Bush Saturday sent his condolences to the families of the seven astronauts killed when the space shuttle Columbia broke-up minutes before its landing. President Bush says U-S space exploration will continue
SPACE SHUTTLE VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The U-S Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart in mid-air Saturday minutes before it was to return to Earth. The U-S space agency, NASA, says none of the seven astronauts aboard survived
SPACE SHUTTLE VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The U-S Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart in mid-air Saturday, minutes before it was to return to Earth. The U-S space agency, NASA, says none of the seven astronauts aboard appears to have survived
NASA PRESS CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR 3 P.M. EST FEB. 1 NASA 01 Feb 2003 -- A press conference by Space Shuttle Program Manager Ron Dittemore and Chief Flight Director Milt Heflin will take place from NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, beginning at 3 p.m. EST today. The briefing will be carried on NASA TV with two-way question and answer capability from other agency centers.
STS-107 MCC Status Report #19 NASA 01 Feb -- The Space Shuttle Columbia and its seven astronauts were lost today when the vehicle broke up over north central Texas during its reentry from orbit.
ISRAEL/SHUTTLE REACT VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The news of the shuttle disaster came at mid-afternoon Israel time. Larry James reports from Jerusalem on the reaction to the loss of the space craft and its crew, which included Israel's first astronaut
SHUTTLE/RAMON PROFILE VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The Space Shuttle Columbia disaster claimed the life of Israel's first astronaut, Ilan Ramon. Larry James has this profile of a man whose space flight had made him a national hero, and whose loss is being mourned across the Jewish state
President Addresses Nation on Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy 01 Feb 2003 -- My fellow Americans, this day has brought terrible news and great sadness to our country. At 9:00 a.m. this morning, Mission Control in Houston lost contact with our Space Shuttle Columbia. A short time later, debris was seen falling from the skies above Texas. The Columbia is lost; there are no survivors.
INDIA/SHUTTLE ASTRONAUT VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- Indians are expressing shock at the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and the first Indian-born woman to travel in space, 41-year-old astronaut Kalpana Chawla. Senior Indian officials said they were saddened by the loss of the shuttle, and offered condolences to Kalpana Chawla's family
SHUTTLE/RAMON PROFILE VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The Space Shuttle Columbia disaster claimed the life of Israel's first astronaut, Ilan Ramon. His space flight made him a national hero, and his loss is being mourned across the Jewish state.
CG Ready to Assist FEMA USCG 01 Feb 2003 -- The Coast Guard is alerting mariners along the Gulf coast from Tampa, Fla., to Galveston, Tx., to be on alert and report any sightings of debris possibly related to the tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia to the Coast Guard.
BUSH/SPACE SHUTTLE VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The White House says there is no indication that terrorism was involved in Saturday's apparent break-up of the space shuttle Columbia, minutes before it was due to land in Florida
ISRAEL/SHUTTLE REACT VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- News of the shuttle disaster came at mid-afternoon Israel time. Larry James reports from Jerusalem on the reaction to the loss of the spacecraft and its crew, which included Israel's first astronaut
Bush/Space Shuttle VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- President Bush is returning to the White House to meet with senior administration staff over the apparent break-up of the space shuttle Columbia, minutes before it was due to land in Florida.
SPACE SHUTTLE VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space agency, NASA, has mobilized search and rescue teams after the space shuttle Columbia apparently disintegrated in flames over Texas, minutes before it was due to land in Florida. There were seven crew members on board when disaster struck.
ISRAEL/SHUTTLE REACT VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The news of the shuttle disaster came at mid-afternoon Israel time. Larry James reports from Jerusalem on the initial reaction to the loss of the space craft and its crew, which included Israel's first astronaut
NASA STATEMENT ON LOSS OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH COLUMBIA NASA 01 Feb 2003 -- A Space Shuttle contingency has been declared in Mission Control, Houston, as a result of the loss of communication with the Space Shuttle Columbia at approximately 9 a.m. EST Saturday as it descended toward a landing at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla. It was scheduled to touchdown at 9:16 a.m. EST.
BUSH/SPACE SHUTTLE VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- President Bush is gathering senior administration staff at the White House Saturday to discuss the apparent break-up of the space shuttle Columbia, minutes before it was due to land in Florida
ATK Expresses Sorrow Over Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy ATK 01 Feb 2003 -- ATK (NYSE:ATK) (Alliant Techsystems), issued the following statement in response to the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy.
ISRAEL/SHUTTLE REACT VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The news of the shuttle disaster came at mid-afternoon Israel time. Larry James reports from Jerusalem on the initial reaction to the loss of the space craft and its crew, which included Israel's first astronaut
SPACE SHUTTLE VOA 01 Feb 2003 -- The U-S space agency NASA has lost contact with the shuttle Columbia as it was returning to Earth from a mission

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