The Space Shuttle That Fell to Earth

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In 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia breaks apart in the skies above America.

2003 - millions watch live as Columbia breaks up in the sky over Texas, killing all on board. NASA, loved ones and investigators share how an incredible journey ended in tragedy.

Series 1

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Lizzie Kempton

Danielle Spears

Oli Roy

Clara Thomas

Pawel Slawek

Emma Whitehead

Emma Tutty

Mindhouse Productions

The Space Shuttle That Fell to Earth: Series 1: Episode 2

Episode 2

BBC Two - The Space Shuttle That Fell to Earth, Series 1, Episode 2

A debris strike on the shuttle’s left wing raises alarms at Nasa.

Nasa engineers spot a piece of debris striking the shuttle during launch. In space, the crew continue their mission, unaware of the concerns, but the clock is ticking to re-entry.

Nasa engineers analyse film footage of a piece of debris striking the shuttle Columbia 81 seconds after launch. What no-one yet knows is whether any serious damage has been done to the vehicle or the tiles which protect the vehicle against the intense heat of re-entry. But calls for photographs to be taken of the shuttle using satellites go unheeded.

Meanwhile, in space, the crew continue their mission, unaware of any concerns inside Nasa.

The Space Shuttle That Fell to Earth: Series 1

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In 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia breaks apart in the skies above America. The astronauts’ families and Nasa staff share personal stories of the launch, unfolding disaster and fallout.

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The Space Shuttle That Fell to Earth

Series 1

Episode 2

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