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The Failure That Led to the Columbia Tragedy

Season 52 Episode 19 | 1m 35s

During the construction of the ISS, tragedy struck the Space Shuttle Columbia and its seven-member crew.

National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies and Viking Cruises. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
Extras
What if violent asteroid impacts actually jump-started life on Earth? Explore a dramatic theory.
They're older than King Tut, Ötzi the Iceman, and even the ones found in the Atacama Desert.
From fruit flies to snake venom, evolutionary biologist Sean Carroll explains what drives evolution.
Can we really bring extinct species back? Evolutionary biologist Beth Shapiro says yes.
See how ingenuity and teamwork keep the crew alive and doing science 250 miles above Earth.
Astronauts and Mission Control relive terrifying moments during construction of the ISS.
A dangerous spacewalk, a toxic leak, and a breathtaking view of Earth.
Dive into how Earth’s weirdest microbes could help us spot extraterrestrial life.
Find out why deadly flash floods are on the rise and how we can protect ourselves from them.