NASA shares haunting image of 9/11 attacks captured from space

On 11 September 2001, while the world watched the horror of the terrorist attacks in the United States, Frank Culbertson, the Expedition 3 Commander astronaut, had a unique perspective from space. He was aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the only American on the crew.

That day, a series of terrorist attacks took place in the United States that shocked the entire world. Nineteen hijackers seized control of four commercial aeroplanes, and two of them were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York City, causing both to collapse within hours.

American Astronaut Frank Culbertson

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Frank Culbertson was orbiting over New York City, and he documented the scene from his camera. He captured the images of smoke rising from the World Trade Centre following the devastating attacks. He was not only shockedbut also witnessed history from a place very few could imagine.

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NASA released Culbertson’s letter

After 23 years of the attacks, NASA released a letter written by Frank Culbertson, dated September 12, 2001. He wrote, "Well, obviously the world changed today. What I say or do is very minor compared to the significance of what happened to our country today when it was attacked by.... by whom? Terrorists are all we know, I guess. Hard to know at whom to direct our anger and fear..."His letter briefly explained his experience of seeing his country under one of the biggest attacks of all time that killed more than 3,000 people. He wrote, "It's difficult to describe how it feels to be the only American completely off the planet at a time such as this. The feeling that I should be there with all of you, dealing with this, helping in some way, is overwhelming.”

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While they were orbiting over New York, he captured video of the smoke, which he described as having an ‘odd bloom’ at its base. Later, he learned that the pilot of the plane that hit the Pentagon was his friend, Captain Charles Burlingame.

Twenty-threeyears later, a memorial exists where the twin towers once stood, to honour and remember those who lost their lives inthe heartwrenching attacks. Frank Culbertson’s photograph and letter serve as the lasting record of the dark day of American History.

(With inputs from agencies)