Events in 2003

February 1, 2003

Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster

The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere on February 1, 2003, killing all seven crew members. The disaster was caused by damage to the shuttle's thermal protection system during launch and led to a 29-month suspension of NASA's Space Shuttle program.

May 1, 2003

Bush's Mission Accomplished Speech

President George W. Bush delivered a controversial speech aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln declaring the end of major combat operations in Iraq, featuring the infamous 'Mission Accomplished' banner. The speech, while initially boosting public support, later became a symbol of premature celebration as the Iraq War continued for years beyond this declaration.