Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it reentered the atmosphere

What happens in this video ?

On February 1st, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated during its re-entry into the atmosphere. The seven astronauts were killed.
82 seconds after the launch of shuttle (STS-107), a sizable piece of foam struck the leading edge of Columbia’s left wing, at a speed between 650 and 950 km/h, making a hole in the protective tiles made of reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC), close to the landing gear area.
During the re-entry into the atmosphere, plasma at 1500 °C penetrated through this hole in the left wing protective shield, and progressively destroyed the inner part of the wing. The crew lost the control of the shuttle. A few second later, the vehicle disintegrated.

Comments

Tristyn
Baton Rouge

(Louisiana)
I was in third grade living in League city near NASA when this happened. I was friends with a couple of these astronauts' kids.
28th January, 2011
Robert
Livermore

(Us)
I was just a kid when this happened, coming home from school and as soon as I walked in the door, everyone in the house was crying. That was such a tragedy.
22nd December, 2009
Go away
Not Talking

(Shut Up)
*.* Y'know, it looks like a meteor in this video. It wasn't though. I wonder what it was like for the guys watching this over that town. It must have been worse for the crew. Very sad. R.I.P Columbia Crew.
14th December, 2009
Kevin S Morrow
Newquay

(Cornwall)
When I first whatched this on the news I was very shocked of the distruction of the STS-107 Columbia and we hope they're in heven and God bless them all.
22nd May, 2008
Joe
Come on... cut the "selfless hero" crap. It's their career and they take the risk as part of their job. Many people risk "everything" just as a hobby, especially in flying!
4th June, 2007
Tom
Pennslyvania

(Usa)
We should all give respects to the men and women who risk everything for the sake of human space exploration. God bless the crew Columbia.
1st November, 2006
Add a comment