Speeches & Audio | Videos

George W. Bush on the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster (3:15)

On February 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia was 16 minutes away from touchdown after completing its 28th mission when a damaged heat protection tile caused the shuttle to incinerate, killing all seven crew members. Later that day, President George W. Bush informs the nation about the terrible disaster.

Listen to Similar Speeches & Audio

Your Parental Control settings do not allow you to view thiscontent.

Speeches & Audio (3)

  • George W. Bush on the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster
    George W. Bush on the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster

    Audio Clip (3:15)

    On February 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia was 16 minutes away from touchdown after completing its 28th mission when a damaged heat protection tile caused the shuttle to incinerate, killing all seven crew members. Later that day, President George W. Bush informs the nation about the terrible disaster.

    Audio Clip (3:15)
  • Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster
    Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster

    Audio Clip (0:31)

    On February 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia was returning from its 28th mission when, 16 minutes to touchdown, the shuttle incinerated and broke apart over Texas. Communication between the Columbia crew and Mission Control captures the last moments of the flight.

    Audio Clip (0:31)
  • Cause of Challenger Disaster Revealed
    Cause of Challenger Disaster Revealed

    Audio Clip (0:44)

    William P. Rogers, head of the special commission appointed by President Ronald Reagan to investigate the January 28, 1986, explosion of the space shuttle Challenger, reports his findings at a press conference on June 9, 1986.

    Audio Clip (0:44)

Videos (3)

  • The First Space Shuttle Flight
    The First Space Shuttle Flight

    Video Clip (3:22)

    On April 12, 1981, NASA launched the first space shuttle into orbit.

    Video Clip (3:22)
  • Space Shuttle: The Last Mission
    Space Shuttle: The Last Mission

    Video Clip (4:55)

    In 2011, NASA sent a space shuttle into space for the last time. Get all the facts on the history of the U.S. space shuttle program.

    Video Clip (4:55)
  • Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster
    Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster

    Video Clip (2:21)

    See how one tiny mishap can spell disaster for one of the most complex machines ever engineered.

    Video Clip (2:21)

Most Popular Videos on History.com

More videos

Newest Videos on History.com

More videos

Read More about Columbia disaster

On February 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia broke apart while re-entering the atmosphere over Texas, killing all seven crew members on board.

Go

Shop HISTORY

See More