This is BBSNews continuing coverage of a heartbreaking event.

Sunday September 07, 2008 -- The tragedy surrounding the breakup of the space shuttle Columbia minutes before landing on Saturday February 1st, 2003 comes on the heels of other sorrows that those in the United States were already suffering. This section of BBSNews is devoted to the news and results of ongoing investigations into the Columbia shuttle breakup.

"PRIMARY SEARCH FOR COLUMBIA MATERIAL PASSES HALFWAY MARK" BBSN 03-03-25 - "As the search of more than 500,000 acres of primary recovery area for Space Shuttle Columbia material reached its halfway mark, NASA Administrator, Sean O'Keefe, visited key sites in east Texas to thank recovery crews for their diligence and hard work. "The outstanding interagency cooperation, and the hard work of all the individuals working on recovery, has been truly gratifying and inspiring," Administrator O'Keefe said." "NASA COLUMBIA ACCIDENT SUPPORT ACTIVITIES REORGANIZED" BBSN 03-03-21 - "NASA has reorganized its support of Shuttle accident related activities to better accommodate the investigation and align more closely with the structure adopted by the independent Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB)." "NEW MEMBERS ADDED TO THE COLUMBIA ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BOARD" BBSN 03-03-05 - "Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) Chairman Admiral Hal Gehman today asked NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe to appoint three new members to the CAIB. The appointments were immediately approved. The new members are: Nobel Prize laureate in Physics Douglas Osheroff; former NASA astronaut and physicist Dr. Sally Ride; and George Washington University Space Policy Institute Director Dr. John Logsdon." "COLUMBIA ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BOARD PUBLIC HEARING" BBSN 03-03-04 - "The Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST at the University of Houston/Clear Lake, Bayou Theatre, 2700 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston." "A LETTER TO AMERICA FROM THE COLUMBIA CREW FAMILIES" BBSN 03-03-04 - "The families of the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-107) crew have requested NASA to release the following letter to the media and public." "COLUMBIA ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BOARD PRESS BRIEFING" BBSN 03-03-03 - "The Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) will hold a press briefing on Tuesday, March 4 at 1 p.m. CST (2 p.m. EST) at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, 3600 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston." "NASA RELEASES COLUMBIA CREW CABIN VIDEO" BBSN 02-28-03 - "Flight-deck video, taken by members of the Space Shuttle Columbia crew on Feb. 1, will be released at 1 p.m. EST today on NASA Television. The videotape was recovered February 6 near Palestine, Texas, during search and recovery efforts after the tragedy." "NASA Education Partners Provide Crisis Resources" BBSN 02-27-03 - "NASA's partners and friends at Challenger Learning Centers and the California Department of Education have nurtured and engaged students for years, and they are currently helping students and teachers cope with the Columbia tragedy by providing helpful resources." "NASA RESEARCH AIRCRAFT SEARCHES COLUMBIA'S PATH FOR DEBRIS" BBSN 02-26-03 - "A NASA high-altitude research aircraft flew over portions of the Space Shuttle Columbia's flight path Saturday. NASA's ER-2 used special cameras to search for debris that may have separated from Columbia as it returned to Earth Feb. 1. Columbia disintegrated over the western United States during its descent, and investigators are collecting debris in an effort to determine the cause of the accident." "SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA SEARCH AND RECOVERY ENTERS NEW PHASE" BBSN 02-19-03 - "The search for materials from the Space Shuttle Columbia accident is entering a new phase. NASA is consolidating two of the primary search coordination field offices and establishing four incident command posts and base camps." "NASA ASKS FOR HELP IN ARIZONA, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO & UTAH" BBSN 02-19-03 - "NASA is asking citizens and officials in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah for help to find material from the Space Shuttle Columbia. The material would have fallen from the Shuttle as it was reentering Earth¹s atmosphere along a line stretching generally from San Francisco to Lafayette, La. Everyone is asked to be on the lookout for possible Shuttle material 60 miles north or south of the reentry track..." "UPDATE: ASSESSMENT OF SCIENCE DATA GAINED DURING COLUMBIA'S MISSION" BBSN 02-19-03 - "NASA scientists are continuing to assess the status of the data received by the experiments onboard Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-107) during its final mission. Columbia carried more than 80 experiments, science, commercial and student, on a 16-day mission devoted to research, entrepreneurship and education." "SPACE SHUTTLE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BOARD CHARTER AMENDED" BBSN 02-18-03 - "The NASA charter for the independent panel in charge of the Space Shuttle Columbia accident investigation has been amended. The changes allow the Space Shuttle Accident Investigation Board additional flexibility in acquiring support staff and expertise outside of NASA." "Columbia Tragedy Update for Thursday February 13th, 2003" BBSN 02-14-03 - "Leroy Cain, the flight director who oversaw the ascent and entry of the Space Shuttle Columbia on Feb 1, 2003, from Mission Control, Houston, will hold a press conference beginning at 3:30 p.m. EST, Friday, February 14 from the Johnson Space Center, Houston. The briefing will be carried live on NASA Television." "COLUMBIA ASTRONAUT REMAINS IDENTIFIED" BBSN 02-13-03 - "The remains of all seven members of Space Shuttle Columbia's crew have been positively identified at Dover Air Force Base, Del." "JOINT CONGRESSIONAL HEARING RESULTS IN SECOND CHARTER AMENDMENT FOR GEHMAN BOARD" BBSN 02-12-03 - "Based on the recommendations from congressional leaders at today's joint hearing into the Space Shuttle Columbia accident, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe today issued a second amendment to the charter of the Space Shuttle Accident Investigation Board. The independent panel is led by Admiral Hal Gehman and is known as the Gehman Board." "COLUMBIA ACCIDENT CONGRESSIONAL HEARING CARRIED ON NASA TELEVISION" BBSN 02-11-03 - "A joint congressional hearing into the Space Shuttle Columbia accident will be carried live on NASA Television tomorrow, Feb. 12, beginning at 9:30 a.m. EST. The hearing is in the Russell Caucus Room (SR-325), Russell Senate Office Building, Washington." "DOUGLAS BROWN RELEASES STATEMENT ABOUT EMAILS" BBSN 02-10-03 - "I wanted to clarify a couple of facts reported recently regarding my brother, Dave Brown, a member of the Columbia STS 107 mission. Dave sent several personal emails during the mission, but at no time did he write about any concerns with damage to the left wing of the orbiter or any other safety issues." "ASTRONAUT SPOUSES & CHILDREN RELEASE STATEMENT" BBSN 02-08-03 - "The Astronaut Spouses Group released the following statement on Friday, Feb. 7. "We, the spouses and children of the NASA astronaut corps, would like to thank the people of the world from the bottom of our hearts for the incredible outpouring of support and love that you have shown us in our time of deep grief." "NEWS CONFERENCE WITH INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION CREW" BBSN 02-07-03 - "Reporters will have a chance to discuss activities aboard the International Space Station with the Expedition 6 crew during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, starting at 9:34 a.m. EST. The news conference is expected to last about 35 minutes with available video and audio from the Station." "EDUCATOR ASTRONAUT REPORT CARD: PROGRAM THANKS PUBLIC FOR SUPPORT" BBSN 02-07-03 - "NASA thanks the hundreds of students, teachers, and friends who have sent the Educator Astronaut Program their thoughts and prayers since the Columbia accident." "NASA UPDATES COLUMBIA ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION 2003-02-06" BBSN 02-06-03 - "The independent board charged with determining what caused the destruction of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and the loss of seven astronauts, began work today at the Johnson Space Center, Houston. Recovery teams continued to search for debris." "NASA MISSION CONTROL CENTER STATUS REPORT 2003-02-05" BBSN 02-05-03 - "The search for clues about what caused Columbia's breakup during reentry Saturday, and the hunt for key debris from the orbiter, expanded today with recovery teams deployed in California and Arizona." "RESEARCHERS ASSESS STATUS OF STS-107 SCIENTIFIC DATA" BBSN 02-05-03 - "The launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia on January 16, 2003 represented an exciting time for the international research community. Columbia carried more than 80 experiments on a 16-day mission devoted entirely to science." "DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR MEETS SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA ASTRONAUTS' REMAINS AT DOVER AFB" BBSN 02-05-03 - "Today, Deputy NASA Administrator Frederick Gregory will render honors to the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. The remains of the orbiter's seven astronauts are scheduled to arrive in flag- draped caskets at Dover about 2 p.m. EST on board a C-141 Starlifter." "SHUTTLE ACCIDENT BRIEFINGS SET FOR THURSDAY 2003-03-06" BBSN 02-05-03 - "A press briefing is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. EST Thursday in connection with the investigation into the Space Shuttle Columbia accident." "SHUTTLE ACCIDENT BRIEFINGS SET" BBSN 02-04-03 - "A press briefing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. EST Wednesday in Washington at NASA Headquarters in connection with the investigation into the Space Shuttle Columbia accident." "NASA PROVIDES UPDATE ABOUT COLUMBIA INVESTIGATION" BBSN 02-04-03 - "As NASA paused to pay tribute to Columbia's astronauts, the agency reported making "considerable progress" in recovering debris from the Space Shuttle and analyzing data in the search for clues to what caused the orbiter to breakup 16 minutes before its landing last Saturday." "ASSISTANCE INCREASED TO AID COLUMBIA DEBRIS CLEAN-UP" BBSN 02-04-03 - "NASA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are working expeditiously to recover Space Shuttle Columbia debris. The agencies are working as rapidly as possible to protect public safety, honor the needs of astronaut families, and support the mishap investigation." "INVESTIGATION BOARD CHAIR GEHMAN TOURS COLUMBIA RECOVERY AREA" BBSN 02-04-03 - "The following is a statement from retired Admiral Harold W. Gehman, Jr., who chairs the independent Space Shuttle Accident Investigation Board. Admiral Gehman toured the recovery area today with other members of the investigative panel. "The purpose of our visit here today is to get out and look at some of the debris recovery area. This makes the accident more personal to us and prevents it from becoming an abstract event." "HANDLE SPACE SHUTTLE DEBRIS WITH CAUTION" BBSN 02-02-03 - "Debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia may be dangerously contaminated with toxic substances and cause serious injury if handled. Individuals who think they may have come in contact with Shuttle debris should take a shower with soap and water and then seek medical attention." "SHUTTLE COLUMBIA ACCIDENT PRESS CONFERENCE SCHEDULE CHANGED" BBSN 02-02-03 - "There will not be a NASA Headquarters press conference at 11:30 a.m. EST on Feb. 4. It has been cancelled out of respect for the Space Shuttle Columbia crew memorial service and to allow NASA employees to watch the tribute. " "STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILIES OF SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA" BBSN 02-02-03 - "On January 16th, we saw our loved ones launch into a brilliant, cloud-free sky. Their hearts were full of enthusiasm, pride in country, faith in their God, and a willingness to accept risk in the pursuit of knowledge --- knowledge that might improve the quality of life for all mankind. Columbia's 16-day mission of scientific discovery was a great success, cut short by mere minutes ---- yet it will live on forever in our memories." "JOHNSON SPACE CENTER MEMORIAL TIME UPDATED" BBSN 02-02-03 - "The President and Mrs. George W. Bush will join NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 4, in paying tribute to the brave heroes of the Space Shuttle Columbia crew during a special memorial service at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston." "NASA ANNOUNCES CORRECTED PROCEDURE FOR FILING DAMAGE CLAIMS" BBSN 02-02-03 - "NASA is accepting claims from individuals who may have suffered damage due to the Space Shuttle Columbia mishap. Any person desiring to file a claim should complete U.S. Government Standard Form 95, "Claim for Damage, Injury, or Death" and send it to the closest of these NASA offices." "SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA ACCIDENT BRIEFINGS SCHEDULED" BBSN 02-02-03 - "Two briefings are scheduled Monday in NASA's continuing effort to keep the public up-to-date on the latest developments involving the investigation into the tragic accident that killed the seven-member crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia." Officials in two states are guarding 100's of pieces of debris, believed from the Space Shuttle Columbia which tragically broke up before landing on a clear Saturday morning, killing all seven aboard. President George W. Bush said yesterday "My fellow Americans, this day has brought terrible news and great sadness to our country." The Columbia's lost. There are no survivors. These astronauts knew the dangers, and they faced them willingly, knowing they had a high and noble purpose in life." NASA is asking citizens to leave any debris found strictly alone: "All debris is United States Government property and is critical to the investigation of the shuttle accident. Any and all debris from the accident is to be left alone and reported to Government authorities. " "NASA MEMORIAL SERVICE SCHEDULED AT JOHNSON SPACE CENTER" BBSN 02-02-03 - "The President and Mrs. George W. Bush will join NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe Tuesday afternoon in paying tribute to the brave heroes of the Space Shuttle Columbia crew during a special memorial service at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. The ceremony to honor NASA astronauts Rick Husband, William McCool, Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel Clark, and Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon is scheduled to begin at 12:45 p.m. EST in the Central Mall area behind Building One. Gates are scheduled to open at 10 a.m. " "NASA PRESS CONFERENCES ANNOUNCED" BBSN 02-02-03 - "A press conference by Space Shuttle Program Manager Ron Dittemore and the Director of Flight Crew Operations, Bob Cabana will take place from NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, at 5:00 p.m. EST today. The briefing will be carried on NASA TV with limited two-way question and answer capability from other agency centers. " "NASA ANNOUNCES SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BOARD (THE GEHMAN BOARD)" BBSN 02-02-03 - "NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe today announced the members of the Space Shuttle Mishap Interagency Investigation Board, which will provide an independent review of the events and activities that led up to the tragic loss of the seven astronauts Saturday on board the Space Shuttle Columbia. " "Bill Readdy Early News Conference Comments" BBSN 02-01-03 - "This is a truly difficult day for all of us. Many of us were standing alongside the runway waiting to celebrate their triumphant return after a 16-day science mission. I think you could tell from the down link that they loved what they were doing and they thought what they were doing was extremely important, pushing back those boundaries in science. " "Columbia Flight Was Diverse Science Mission" BBSN 02-01-03 - "Tragedy struck the nations Space Program today when seven gifted astronauts lost their lives about fifteen minutes prior to scheduled landing. In a nation seemingly reeling from one disaster to another and during wartime in the War on Terror and impending war with Iraq, this strikes a tragic blow at the popular and internationally cheered endeavor of space exploration. The Columbia flight, mission STS-107, was an important science mission described in one NASA document as having many experiments: "While a conservative calculation puts the number of separate experiments on STS-107 at about 80, the mission comprises hundreds of samples and test points addressing dozens of facets of life on Earth. If even one eventually results in a new therapy - or cleaner engines, or some other benefit - then the investment the American taxpayer has made in STS-107 will be recouped many times over. But perhaps the flight was even more special a mission because of the diverse people who were bravely aboard. Fearlessly carrying out experiments that could have had great import for those of us on Earth. This is a compilation of biographies and photos from the Johnson Space Center and other NASA sources describing those who died on February 1st, 2003, exploring space, in the peaceful pursuit of knowledge." "NASA ASKS FOR HELP WITH COLUMBIA INVESTIGATION" BBSN 02-01-03 - "NASA has established a telephone hotline and electronic mail address for the public to use for reporting information that may help investigators studying today's Space Shuttle mishap." "NTSB TO ASSIST NASA IN INVESTIGATION OF THE LOSS OF SPACE SHUTTLE "COLUMBIA" BBSN 02-01-03 - "WASHINGTON, D.C. - At the request of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board is sending investigators to assist NASA in its investigation of the loss this morning of the space shuttle "Columbia". "NASA ADMINISTRATOR SEAN O'KEEFE" BBSN 02-01-03 - "This is indeed a tragic day for the NASA family, for the families of the astronauts who flew on STS-107, and likewise is tragic for the Nation. Immediately upon indication of a loss of communications from STS-107, at a little after 9:00 a.m. this morning, we began our contingency plan to preserve all the information relative to the flight activities." "Shuttle Columbia Lost on Descent" BBSN 02-01-03 - "Commander Rick Husband, Pilot Willie McCool, Mission Specialists Dave Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Michael Anderson and Laurel Clark, and Israeli Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon are feared dead after Columbia lost contact with NASA control at about 08:00am CST during a planned landing event for 08:16 CST. Two Kennedy Space Center landing opportunities were available to Columbia Mission STS-107 on Saturday. The first, on orbit 255, would have seen a deorbit burn at 7:15 a.m. CST and a landing at KSC at 8:16 a.m. to wrap up a flight of 6,649,757 statute miles. A second landing opportunity was available at KSC on the subsequent orbit. That would have seen the deorbit burn beginning at 8:50 a.m. and a landing at 9:50 a.m. At a speed of about 12,500 mph, Columbia appeared to break up at an altitude of about 200,000 feet Saturday morning streaking over North central Texas at 08:00am CST. "