Twenty years ago, the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated during reentry after a scientific mission. It was the last mission of this type before the International Space Station took over scientific research. But this disaster was also the beginning of the end with the Space Shuttles. During take-off, a piece of foam insulation fell off and destroyed the heat shield in the front area of the wing. During the heat of the reentry phase, this whole caused damage to the structure and, consequently, the loss of Columbia.
