East Texas will never forget February 1, 2003. 20 years ago, a national tragedy unfolded in our backyard and East Texas showed the world what it means to help neighbors in need. East Texas has vowed to never forget the Space Shuttle Columbia STS-107 crew. They’ll never forget the 25,000+ volunteers who came from around…
Tag: Space Shuttle Columbia
Trailblazing NASA astronaut Eileen Collins visits ‘Remembering Columbia’ Museum
In 2003, the town of Hemphill, in Deep East Texas, was thrust into the spotlight after the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy. After rising to the occasion and responding with hospitality, heroism, and humility, the people of this community adopted the motto, “Their Mission Became Our Mission.” One of the most visible actions taken to preserve…
WATCH: Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy 18th anniversary coverage
Click here to watch my reports from the ‘Remembering Columbia’ NASA Museum.
Hemphill museum to commemorate 18th anniversary of Shuttle Columbia tragedy
The Hemphill museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Space Shuttle Columbia will host its annual memorial service on Monday, the 18th anniversary of the tragedy that trust East Texas into international headlines. On the morning of February 1, 2003, the orbiter broke apart in the skies over East Texas, just minutes before Columbia’s…
Spacecraft to be named for astronaut who died in 2003 space shuttle tragedy
A spacecraft set to launch later this month will be named for a pioneer astronaut who died in the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy in East Texas. Northrop Grumman announced its un-crewed NG-14 Cygnus spacecraft will be named for Kalpana Chawla, a NASA astronaut assigned to Shuttle Columbia’s ill-fated final mission. “It is the company’s…
Retired NASA astronaut reflects on two Shuttle missions, future of human spaceflight
Two visits to low Earth orbit have forever changed the outlook on life for former NASA astronaut Byron Lichtenberg. Even though he’s now retired form the space agency’s astronaut corps, he’s still using those experiences to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals. As a professor at LeTourneau University, he’s currently working with students to…
Commander’s widow shares journey of faith on 15th anniversary of Shuttle Columbia tragedy
This month marks 15 years since the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart over East Texas. The widow of the Columbia’s commander is sharing how that tragedy turned into a test of faith for her family. While enduring the loss of a spouse wasn’t easy, Evelyn Husband-Thompson says she has been able to find healing comfort…
Soccer ball recovered from Shuttle Challenger wreckage reaches space three decades later
A soccer ball that was to be carried to space by the ill-fated Space Shuttle Challenger has finally reached its destination, 31 years later. Prior to the January 28, 1986 launch, the ball was presented to NASA astronaut Ellison Onizuka by soccer players, including his daughter, from Clear Lake High School. Onizuka was one of…
New spacecraft named after astronaut killed in E. Texas space shuttle tragedy
The next cargo spacecraft to launch to the International Space Station will bear the name of an American astronaut killed in the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy over East Texas. An Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo resupply spacecraft bearing the name S.S. Rick Husband will launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida on March 22. Husband served as commander of…
Shuttle Columbia debris collected in E. Texas goes on public display for first time
A new exhibit at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida memorializes the Space Shuttle Columbia, which broke apart over East Texas in 2003. The 2,000 square foot exhibit, housed at the Space Center’s visitor complex, features the personal effects of crew members and recovered shuttle hardware from both the ill-fated Columbia tragedy and the 1986…
WATCH: East Texans mark 10 years since Shuttle Columbia tragedy
Click here for my coverage of the 10th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy and recovery effort.
10 years after Shuttle Columbia tragedy, E. Texas museum preserves crew’s legacy
10 years have passed since East Texas was thrust into the national spotlight after Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart on re-entry over the Piney Woods. Obviously, it’s an emotional time for the families of the seven brave astronauts, but the small town of Hemphill is reflecting on their very deep and personal connection to the tragedy….
Lane Luckie 