Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight
 

I do not normally watch that channel, but CNN is running a four-part program about Columbia's final mission this weekend.

https://tvlistings.zap2it.com/overv...esId=SH05076805

I'll report if I spot it on places like YouTube or Discovery+


Bill

Hi Bill,

Many thanks! :cool:

Bob

Same here, but I saw the ad for that on a channel that I do watch and it totally slipped my mind. Thanks for the reminder.

I did not try watching it last night, but it is a safe bet that coverage of the Iran attack on Israel pre-empted it.

They did not put it up on YouTube.


Bill

On a more positive memory, here she is on her very first flight (and of the program) on the morning of April 12, 1981. Hard to believe that was 43 years ago day before yesterday.

Earl

I believe that was one of only two flights with the ET painted white.

It was. Just the first two flights. Saved I think something like 400 pounds without the paint. I thought the orange-brown tank was strange looking starting at STS-3, but NOW the white tank looks strange to see in vintage images like this one.

Earl

I watched the entire series. I thought it was very well done. I learned a number of new things. I thought it was especially informative and sensitive regarding the family experiences. The video in the final episode of the foam strike testing was especially powerful. I have seen it before, but the manner in which it was presented was just a gut punch.

I find it miraculous that more souls were not lost flying in that thing.

I agree.

But the more important question is what will happen after the next fatal accident? Between Falcon 9, Artemis, Boeing, Blue Origin and Starship, it will happen again. Especially with the uber-looney-goofy Moonlanding plans.