On Jan. 16, 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia launched on its 28th mission, STS-107. NASA had five additional space shuttle missions planned for 2003, but STS-107 was the only one focused on scientific research; the others were focused on continuing expansion of the International Space Station. The astronauts – Americans Rick Husband, Willie McCool, Michael Anderson, Continue reading "Jan. 16, 2003: Space Shuttle Columbia’s final launch" The post Jan. 16, 2003: Space Shuttle Columbia’s final launch appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .