On 1 February 2003, NASA’s space shuttle Columbia broke apart during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven crew members on board. 

What led to NASA’s Columbia disaster and how it changed space exploration?

Despite meticulous engineering and rigorous protocols, several missions have ended in tragedy. This list examines seven of the most serious accidents and disasters in the history of space exploration.

Apollo, Columbia, Challenger: The 7 deadliest spaceflight accidents that changed history

Rakesh Sharma was the first and only Indian citizen to travel to space in 1984. Sharma, a former Indian Air Force pilot, was selected under a joint programme between ISRO and the Soviet Intercosmos initiative.

From Rakesh Sharma to today's space pioneers: Meet Indians and Indian-origin icons who reached beyond Earth

Though their paths differ, these astronauts share a connection to India that resonates deeply with the nation’s growing ambitions in space. 

National Astronaut Day 2025: Honouring Rakesh Sharma, Shubhanshu Shukla & India’s other space icons

Years after Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, a third woman of Indian origin, Sirisha Bandla, is all set to fly into space aboard ‘VSS Unity’ of Virgin Galactic, which is scheduled to fly off on July 11 from New Mexico.

Third Indian-origin woman, Sirisha Bandla, set to fly to space

A commercial cargo spacecraft bound for the International Space Station (ISS) -- carrying the name of deceased NASA astronaut Kalpana Chawla -- arrived at the International Space Station for ‘rendezvous and capture’ on October 5.

Cargo spacecraft SS Kalpana Chawla arrives at ISS

American global aerospace and defense technology company Northrop Grumman has named the next Cygnus spacecraft after Dr Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian descent to go to space.

American global aerospace company names spacecraft in honour of Kalpana Chawla

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What led to NASA’s Columbia disaster and how it changed space exploration?

Apollo, Columbia, Challenger: 7 deadliest space accidents that changed history

Meet Indians and Indian-origin icons who reached beyond Earth

National Astronaut Day 2025: Honouring Rakesh Sharma, Shubhanshu Shukla & India’s other space icons

Third Indian-origin woman, Sirisha Bandla, set to fly to space

Cargo spacecraft SS Kalpana Chawla arrives at ISS

American global aerospace company names spacecraft in honour of Kalpana Chawla