In 1981 I saw a spaceship land on Earth – twice. I went to Rogers Dry Lake by Edwards AFB in the desert and witnessed the arrival of the Columbia. I went April 14th for the first landing and again on the 4th of July for the second mission.
In 1992, I went to Titusville, Florida and watched as Columbia ascended atop a fiery plume and a trail of white smoke. The ground shook with the rumble and crack of the boosters.
Five years ago today, I awoke with a start – something – I don’t know what – made me turn on the little LCD TV I keep in the nightstand. I was horrified to see images of the destruction of Columbia.
I have a fond place in my heart for the Astronauts of STS-107 and the Columbia – and I will never forget February 1, 2003.
Image from NASA Image of the Day, taken from aboard STS-107. Click on it for 1024×768 in the viewer.