Watch Space Shuttle Columbia

Space Shuttle Columbia is a PBS documentary that explores the history, accomplishments, and tragic end of NASA's first space shuttle. The documentary is a comprehensive look at the life of this groundbreaking vehicle, from its early days of design and testing to its final, fateful mission in 2003.

The story of Space Shuttle Columbia is told through interviews with astronauts, engineers, scientists, and others who were involved in the program, as well as archival footage and animations. The documentary begins with the Space Shuttle program's conception in the late 1960s, when NASA was looking for a reusable spacecraft that could launch, land, and be refurbished quickly and inexpensively.

Viewers learn about the many challenges faced by the designers and engineers working on the shuttle, including the development of the advanced thermal protection system that would allow the vehicle to withstand the extreme temperatures of reentry. The documentary also covers the numerous successes of the Space Shuttle program, including the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope, the construction of the International Space Station, and the launch of numerous scientific and military payloads.

As important as these achievements were, though, none compares to the tragedy that befell Columbia and its crew in February of 2003. The documentary devotes a significant amount of time to this part of the shuttle's history, exploring the events leading up to the disaster as well as the immediate aftermath and the far-reaching effects on the space program and those involved in it.

Overall, Space Shuttle Columbia is an engaging and informative look at one of the most important spacecraft in human history. The documentary is well-researched and expertly crafted, offering a balanced perspective on the accomplishments and challenges of the Space Shuttle program. While the story of Columbia's tragic end is sure to bring tears to viewers' eyes, the documentary's overall message is one of hope and inspiration in the face of adversity.

Space Shuttle Columbia is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (1 episodes). The series first aired on January 31, 2013.