human remains columbia space shuttle disaster dead bodies

Nevertheless, for many years critics have charged that NASA officials and engineers have frequently been guilty of arrogance or indifference, which have cost astronauts their lives. In fact, by the turn of the twenty-first century, NASA had made space travel seem to be an everyday occurrence. Sending human beings into outer space is never a routine exercise, and the space agency has generally been credited with maintaining a good record.

Since its founding in 1958, NASA has been successful in accomplishing its missions. The final report, issued on August 26, 2003, faulted NASA for the explosion because the agency had overlooked problems that had been plaguing the aging Columbia for years. A thorough investigation was initiated the day following the explosion. The space shuttle program, which had been regarded by many Americans as engaging in 'routine' missions, came under intense examination. It was the first major accident since 1986, when the space shuttle Challenger exploded less than two minutes after takeoff, with most of the nation watching on television. The space shuttle Columbia, carrying a crew of seven, broke up while attempting to reenter Earth's atmosphere after a sixteen-day mission. On February 1, 2003, the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) was dealt a severe blow. Published in 2003 available at Columbia Accident Investigation Board Excerpts from Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report,

Human remains columbia space shuttle disaster dead bodies