Space Shuttle Columbia Honored by Space Foundation
Space Foundation recently opened its newest exhibit at the Space Foundation Discover Center honoring Space Shuttle Columbia.
“Exploration is not without risks, and the Columbia accident is one of the most heartbreaking events in spaceflight history."
Space Foundation CEO Tom Zelibor.
The new exhibit, “With Dignity, Honor, and Reverence: The Recovery of Space Shuttle Columbia,” opened on Saturday, Feb. 4. The exhibit commemorates the 20th anniversary of the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia and her crew that occurred on Feb. 1, 2003. It focuses on the lives that were lost, the intensive recovery and investigation efforts that followed, and how those lessons learned apply to today’s space programs.
Space Shuttle Columbia Recovery Story told by Those Involved
In honoring the anniversary, “With Dignity, Honor, and Reverence: The Recovery of Space Shuttle Columbia” tells the story through five oral history interviews conducted in partnership with Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum and includes memorable objects, photographs, and more. The exhibit will join Space Foundation Discovery Center’s wide variety of space artifacts and interactive exhibits located in the El Pomar Space Gallery.
The exhibit interviewees include:
Col. Duane “Digger” Carey, USAF (Ret.), former NASA astronaut
Rich Cooper, vice president strategic communications & outreach, Space Foundation
Jeff Fladung, El Paso County Search and Rescue
Reginald Francklyn, El Paso County Search and Rescue
Elle O’Sullivan, volunteer, Laramie County Search and Rescue
“Exploration is not without risks, and the Columbia accident is one of the most heartbreaking events in spaceflight history," said Space Foundation CEO Tom Zelibor. "This exhibit is about remembering her crew, recognizing the expansive search and rescue efforts, and understanding the lessons we need to remember as we continue to explore the frontiers of space.”
Space Foundation Discovery Center is an interactive space museum and science center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is a hands-on, education-focused destination that advances awareness, access and training in space exploration and space-to-Earth industries for students, teachers, families and space enthusiasts. Partnerships with government and commercial enterprises support exhibits like the El Pomar Space Gallery; Northrop Grumman Science Center, featuring Science On a Sphere; and Lockheed Martin Space Education Center.
Space Foundation is a nonprofit advocate organization founded in 1983 for the global space ecosystem.
(Source: Space Foundation news release. Images from file)