2003    Space Shuttle ''Columbia'' disintegrates during reentry into the Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts aboard.thumb

2003    The Columbia Accident Investigation Board releases its final reports on Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.

2005    Space Shuttle program: STS-114 Mission – Launch of ''Discovery'', NASA's first scheduled flight mission after the ''Columbia'' Disaster in 2003.

2005    STS-114: NASA grounds the Space Shuttle, pending an investigation of the continuing problem with the shedding of foam insulation from the external fuel tank. During ascent, the external tank of the Space Shuttle Discovery sheds a piece of foam slightly smaller than the piece that caused the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster; this foam does not strike the spacecraft.