On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart shortly before its scheduled landing, killing all seven of the astronauts aboard it.

To leave behind Earth and air and gravity is an ancient dream.

For these seven, it was a dream fulfilled.

Each of these astronauts had the daring and discipline required of their calling.

Each of them knew that great endeavors are inseparable from great risks.

And each of them accepted those risks willingly, even joyfully,

in the cause of discovery.

- President George W. Bush

For detailed information about the Columbia, check out this NASA website.

http://www.nasa.gov/columbia/

On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff,

killing all seven of the astronauts aboard it.

Our nation is indeed fortunate that we can still draw

on an immense reservoir of courage, character, and fortitude,

that we are still blessed with heroes like those of the space shuttle Challenger.

Man will continue his conquest of space.

To reach out for new goals and ever-greater achievements,

that is the way we shall commemorate our seven Challenger heroes.

- President Ronald Reagan

Memorial service, January 31, 1986, Houston, Texas

For a list of links with Challenger information, visit this NASA History Office page.

http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/sts51l.html

On January 27, 1967, there was a fire in the Apollo 1 capsule on the launch pad during a test which killed all three of the astronauts aboard it.

“If we die, we want people to accept it.

We’re in a risky business,

and we hope that if anything happens to us

it will not delay the program. 

The conquest of space is worth the risk of life.”

-Gus Grissom

Second American in space

Commander of the first manned Gemini flight

Apollo 1 Commander

Died on February 27, 1967 in the Apollo 1 fire

For more information about Apollo 1, officially known as Apollo 204, visit this NASA history website.

http://history.nasa.gov/Apollo204/