Colombia is starting to make waves as a growing player in space development, thanks to government efforts and military-driven programs.
Instead of sending people to space, Colombia puts its energy into satellite tech and Earth observation—pretty different from NASA’s Space Shuttle Columbia missions.
Back in 2006, the Colombian Space Commission came to life through Presidential Decree 2442.
This government group coordinates how Colombia develops space technology and puts satellites to use.
The Colombian Air Force has taken the lead on most space projects.
They kicked off the FACSAT satellite program with FACSAT-1, and now they’re working on the FACSAT-3 constellation, which will bring three small satellites for Earth observation.
Colombia joined NASA’s Artemis Accords not too long ago, becoming the 19th nation to sign that international space agreement.
These accords lay out principles for peaceful space cooperation.
The country has built space operations centers and set up satellite testing facilities.
With these investments, Colombia is boosting its satellite capabilities.
Now, the Air Force handles everything for satellites—from design all the way to testing.
When people talk about space travel in Colombia, they mean the country’s own space program.
That’s a whole different story from NASA’s Space Shuttle Columbia, which was an American spacecraft.
The Space Shuttle Columbia flew human spaceflight missions between 1981 and 2003.
Meanwhile, Colombia focuses on unmanned satellites and Earth observation tech, not crewed missions.
Colombia builds small satellites for communication and navigation.
They don’t have their own launch vehicles for sending people to space.
Most of their efforts revolve around satellite technology and ground-based operations.
The similar names trip people up, but these are totally separate things.
Colombia (the country) is building up its space industry, while Columbia (the shuttle) once carried astronauts into orbit.
Colombia’s space efforts are led by the Colombian Space Commission and the Air Force.
There’s no standalone space agency yet, but the country manages to keep its space development pretty well coordinated.
Current capabilities include:
The FACSAT program stands out as Colombia’s main space accomplishment.
These small satellites give Colombia vital Earth observation data.
The program puts Colombia in a stronger spot in regional space development.
Colombia is looking for cislunar mission opportunities through partnerships abroad.
Investments in research and development are helping the country become a regional space leader.
Private companies are starting to play a bigger role in Colombia’s growing space sector.
Colombia’s space program has hit some major milestones with satellite development, international partnerships, and bold plans to expand Earth observation capabilities.
The FACSAT program is probably Colombia’s biggest space success so far.
The Colombian Air Force launched FACSAT-1 in 2018, bringing Colombia into the world of operational satellite missions.
This Earth observation satellite provides important data for national security and environmental monitoring.
The mission really showed off Colombia’s growing skills in satellite technology and operations.
FACSAT-2, also called SAT-CHIRIBIQUETE, came next as the program’s second big win.
That satellite keeps an eye on Colombia’s protected natural areas and biodiversity hotspots.
The Colombian Air Force manages everything about satellite development and operations.
Their Space Operations Center takes care of mission control and data processing for these Earth observation satellites.
Colombia has teamed up with big aerospace companies to speed up its space program.
The Colombian Aerospace Force joined forces with GomSpace in a $261,000 partnership for the first phase.
This partnership is all about building up Colombia’s space know-how through tech transfer and training.
GomSpace brings its expertise in small satellite design and manufacturing.
The deal also covers rocket development support and satellite integration services.
Colombian engineers work side by side with international experts to develop their own skills in-house.
These partnerships let Colombia access advanced space tech without needing a massive upfront investment.
By leaning on international expertise, Colombia lays the groundwork for its own space industry.
The FACSAT-3 constellation is Colombia’s most ambitious space project yet.
This trio of satellites will boost Earth observation capabilities across the country.
This time, the Colombian Air Force plans to manage the whole satellite lifecycle on its own.
That means handling design, development, assembly, integration, and testing from start to finish.
The constellation should give Colombia better data for environmental monitoring and disaster response.
Each satellite will carry advanced imaging payloads tailored for Colombia’s geography.
Teams are setting up new facilities to support satellite assembly and testing.
The goal? Make Colombia a regional leader in small satellite tech and Earth observation services.
A few key organizations are really pushing Colombia’s space sector forward.
The National Space Society Colombia leads advocacy, while universities provide technical know-how and private companies come up with market-ready solutions.
The National Space Society Colombia stands as the main advocacy organization for space policy in the country.
This local chapter of the Washington D.C.-based group joined the International Astronautical Federation in 2022.
The organization focuses on four big areas.
Policy advocacy means working with government, industry, and academia to push for space projects that help Colombian citizens.
Their technical teams work on satellite development, space law, and analog mission projects.
They also support industry development and entrepreneurship within Colombia’s growing space sector.
The society runs outreach programs—workshops, talks, and educational activities—to get people interested in aerospace opportunities.
Based in Bogotá at Cr 14 No. 85-68 Of 604, the group stays in touch with international space communities.
Their diverse membership lets them tackle everything from technical satellite projects to policy recommendations.
Colombian universities are training the next generation of space professionals.
These schools focus on aerospace engineering, satellite tech, and space science research.
Research centers at top universities study earth observation, climate monitoring, and satellite communications.
Students get hands-on experience by working with government agencies and private companies.
The academic sector teams up with the Colombian Space Commission to make sure research lines up with national space policy.
Universities also join international space research programs, which opens doors for students to global aerospace networks.
Faculty members often advise government space projects.
This keeps Colombia’s space development in sync with current science and best practices.
Private companies are popping up to meet Colombia’s growing demand for space services.
The Colombian Space Agency, founded in 2017 as a private nonprofit, works to coordinate commercial space activities.
These businesses focus on satellite services, ground stations, and space data analytics.
They offer solutions for climate research, security, and agricultural monitoring using space-based tech.
Commercial partnerships with international aerospace firms bring the latest tech to Colombia.
Local companies get access to satellite manufacturing, launch services, and mission expertise through these relationships.
The private sector is driving innovation in artificial intelligence for space data analysis.
Some companies are also working on cybersecurity for satellite communications and protecting space infrastructure.
Columbia changed space exploration with its groundbreaking missions and advanced design.
Its tragic loss forced the industry to rethink safety from the ground up.
The shuttle’s name honored both American maritime history and space achievements.
Columbia became NASA’s first operational orbiter when it launched on April 12, 1981.
It carried the designation OV-102 and flew 27 missions over 22 years.
The maiden voyage STS-1 was a huge moment for space travel.
Columbia launched exactly 20 years after Yuri Gagarin’s first human spaceflight, which felt like a statement about America’s place in space.
Columbia’s design was complex, with over 200,000 separate components.
It stretched 122 feet long and had a 78-foot wingspan.
The cargo bay could carry 60,000 pounds to low Earth orbit.
Some of Columbia’s notable missions included deploying satellites and running science experiments.
The shuttle flew the first Spacelab missions, bringing European science into orbit.
Columbia also showed off satellite capture and repair techniques.
The thermal protection system used thousands of custom silica tiles.
Each tile was fitted to protect Columbia during reentry.
This design let the shuttle fly multiple times with the same vehicle.
Columbia proved that reusable spacecraft could actually work.
Before this, space vehicles only flew once.
The shuttle’s reusability aimed to lower the cost of getting to space.
On February 1, 2003, Columbia broke apart during reentry over Texas.
All seven crew members lost their lives that day.
The disaster happened during mission STS-107 after 16 days in space.
Investigators discovered that foam insulation hit Columbia’s wing during launch.
This caused a breach in the thermal protection system, and hot plasma got inside the wing during reentry.
The Columbia Accident Investigation Board pointed to organizational failures at NASA.
They found that safety concerns were ignored, even when engineers raised the alarm.
Breakdowns in communication stopped proper hazard assessment from happening.
NASA grounded all shuttles for over two years after the accident.
The agency overhauled safety procedures and management structures.
They came up with new inspection techniques to check for in-flight damage.
The tragedy changed how spacecraft are designed.
Future vehicles started to prioritize crew escape systems and abort options.
NASA also improved how it tracks debris and handles launch procedures.
Columbia’s loss pushed the development of new spacecraft.
The Commercial Crew Program partly came out of the need for safer vehicles after the shuttle’s retirement.
Private companies began designing more reliable, safer spacecraft.
There’s no direct link between Colombia the country and the Space Shuttle Columbia program.
The shuttle’s name came from American history, not from the South American nation.
Columbia honored the Columbia Rediviva, the first American ship to sail around the globe.
The name also connected to the Apollo 11 command module Columbia.
These choices highlighted American exploration heritage.
The spelling difference helps tell them apart.
“Columbia” is an old poetic name for America, while “Colombia” is the South American country.
NASA followed tradition by naming shuttles after explorers, ships, and space pioneers.
These names celebrated American achievements.
Space agencies worldwide have studied Columbia’s design and missions.
Partners learned from both its successes and failures.
All this knowledge benefits countries working on their own space programs.
Today’s commercial spaceflight leans on Columbia’s legacy.
Companies like SpaceX look back at shuttle achievements for inspiration.
The reusable spacecraft idea that Columbia proved still shapes modern rocket designs.
Colombia has made real progress in satellite tech and spacecraft design, with much of the credit going to its Air Force space program.
The country is working on rocket launch capabilities and building strategic partnerships with established space nations to speed up its tech development.
Colombia’s satellite programs put a spotlight on Earth observation and communication systems. The Colombian Air Force leads the charge through its Centro de Control Espacial (CCE), and the Fuerza Aérea Colombiana (FAC) stays right at the center of things.
Right now, small satellites for environmental monitoring and national security take priority. These satellites use advanced sensors to track deforestation, keep an eye on agriculture, and help with disaster response—pretty practical stuff.
Colombian engineers collaborate with international partners to create satellite components. They focus on cost-effective solutions that fit Colombia’s needs, and local teams handle payload integration and ground control systems.
The country’s satellite tech lineup includes:
Universities and research centers jump in to help with satellite component development. They work on solar panel efficiency, battery management, and antenna design to boost signal strength.
Colombia is working on its rocket launch infrastructure through partnerships and its own research. The country already operates sounding rockets, mostly for atmospheric research and tech testing.
These sounding rocket programs give teams hands-on experience in rocket design and launches. The rockets reach 100-300 kilometers and let scientists run experiments or test new tech.
The Colombian Space Agency scouts possible launch sites along the Caribbean coast. Thanks to Colombia’s geographic spot, these sites offer benefits for equatorial and sun-synchronous orbits.
Current rocket capabilities cover:
Work on launch infrastructure includes ground support equipment and mission control systems. Colombian engineers get valuable practice with rocket integration, fueling, and flight safety.
Teams learn about larger rocket systems through international partnerships. These collaborations help Colombians pick up knowledge about propulsion, guidance, and structural design.
Sweden’s Space Corporation (SSC) works directly with Colombia to boost the national space program. SSC lends expertise in satellite communication, ground ops, and launch services.
Technology transfer agreements bring established space know-how to Colombian teams. Partners share their experience in spacecraft design, mission planning, and operations.
Partnerships aim to build Colombia’s own capabilities for developing and operating satellites. Engineers receive training in spacecraft integration, testing, and mission control.
Key collaboration areas include:
European and North American companies join Colombian institutions on joint projects. These relationships open doors to advanced propulsion, guidance computers, and spacecraft materials.
International expertise helps local teams skip common design pitfalls and use proven engineering solutions for rockets and satellites.
Colombia’s space sector is growing fast, with new investment pouring into tourism ventures and international partnerships. The country’s spot near the equator gives it a natural edge for launches and opens up chances for both local and global market integration.
Colombia is carving out a spot as an emerging player in the global space economy, now valued at $1.8 trillion. Its geography makes it attractive for satellite launches and space operations.
Government initiatives have built frameworks to support private space companies. These policies encourage foreign investment and technology partnerships. Local universities are rolling out aerospace engineering programs to train new talent.
The Colombian space sector targets satellite communications and Earth observation. These services help agriculture, mining, and environmental monitoring. Private companies are setting up ground stations and manufacturing.
Investment has picked up a lot in recent years. International aerospace companies see Colombia as a hub for Latin American operations. The economic impact stretches across engineering, manufacturing, and logistics—space is creating jobs in unexpected places.
Space tourism in Colombia looks pretty promising through 2031. The industry could create thousands of jobs in hospitality, engineering, and transportation.
Colombian companies are exploring deals with established space tourism operators. These partnerships could bring suborbital flights and astronaut training to Colombia. Third-party partnerships seem to be the main way in.
Safety rules and costs still pose challenges for growth. But tech advances are making things easier, step by step. The move toward more accessible space travel could totally change Colombia’s tourism landscape.
High-end space tourism experiences fetch premium prices abroad. Colombian operators are studying business models to serve both local and regional demand. Long-term success will depend on cutting costs and getting clear regulations.
Colombia’s move into global space markets is picking up speed thanks to strategic partnerships and tech agreements. The country is becoming a gateway for space commerce throughout Latin America.
Big logistics companies like DHL are setting up space economy operations in Colombia. They support satellite launches and space cargo transport. End-to-end satellite logistics keeps growing, though regulatory uncertainty is still a thing.
Colombian companies join cislunar missions through tech partnerships. These deals give them access to advanced spacecraft and launch capabilities. How quickly technology moves forward will shape Colombia’s competitive edge.
Regional coordination opens doors for shared space infrastructure. Colombia works with neighbors on satellite networks and launch facilities. That cooperation helps cut costs and broadens the market for local space companies.
Colombia’s space tourism sector has both established travel operators and new private companies working on commercial space travel. The industry mixes traditional travel know-how with new aerospace ventures focused on space experiences and future orbital services.
Space Travel Gess y Arias S.A.S. runs as one of Colombia’s dedicated space tourism providers, based in Bogotá. The company focuses on space-related travel experiences and educational programs for civilians curious about space.
The agency offers space simulation experiences and astronaut training for the public. Programs include zero-gravity sessions, space camp experiences, and tours of space facilities.
Space Travel Gess y Arias teams up with international partners to give customers access to global space destinations and experiences. The company connects Colombian space fans to worldwide tourism opportunities.
Their services target both individuals and corporate groups looking for unique space-themed activities. The agency has built partnerships with education centers and simulation facilities to offer hands-on astronaut training.
Colombia’s private space sector has several companies exploring commercial space opportunities beyond the usual travel agencies. Space Travel Club stands out as a group building communities around space travel interests and future commercial flights.
Colombia’s equatorial location gives private companies an edge for certain launches. They’re looking to partner with international space tourism operators and set up ground operations in the country.
Startups focus on space tech development and support services for future commercial activities. These companies work on satellite tech, space communications, and ground support systems that could one day support space tourism.
The Colombian Space Commission offers regulatory guidance for private space companies. This support helps set up the framework for safe and effective commercial space operations and tourism in Colombia’s aerospace sector.
Colombia has built a solid base in space science education with observatories, universities, and community programs. The Colombian Air Force leads many educational efforts, and academic institutions develop specialized programs to train future aerospace professionals.
The National Observatory of Colombia in Bogotá anchors the country’s astronomical research. It runs advanced telescopes and offers public education programs.
Regional observatories across Colombia host stargazing sessions and educational workshops. The Antioquia Observatory’s monthly events draw hundreds of visitors.
Planetariums in cities like Medellín and Cali use digital projection to teach astronomy. They often partner with schools for immersive space science experiences.
These facilities rely on high-tech imaging gear and computer-controlled telescopes. New educational programs pop up regularly, inspired by current missions and discoveries.
Colombian universities offer engineering programs with aerospace tracks. The National University of Colombia includes coursework in satellite systems and space tech.
Private schools like Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana partner with international space agencies. Students get hands-on experience through satellite design and research projects.
The Colombian Air Force Academy trains officers in space operations and satellite management. Their classes cover orbital mechanics, communications, and mission planning.
Graduate programs target areas like remote sensing and space policy. These academic paths grow in direct response to Colombia’s expanding space industry.
The FACSAT educational program reaches thousands of Colombian students each year. Kids build model satellites and learn about mission operations.
Science fairs in schools often highlight space-themed projects and competitions. Students design experiments that could fly on future Colombian satellites.
Mobile planetariums bring space education to rural areas. These traveling programs use portable systems for interactive astronomy lessons.
Workshops train teachers in space science. The Colombian Space Commission coordinates these efforts to keep standards consistent across the country.
Colombia has built key space infrastructure around ground-based facilities and communication stations. The country focuses on practical earth observation and satellite communications instead of big launch sites.
Colombia set up its first big space communication facility in 1969—a terrain station in Chocontá, Cundinamarca. This station supported Telecom and marked Colombia’s early step into space communications.
The Colombian Space Commission manages the satellite communication network. This agency handles navigation and maritime transportation applications across Colombia’s long coastlines.
Communication satellites play a central role in Colombia’s space program. The country uses these systems to monitor natural resources and support maritime operations along both coasts.
Ground stations connect Colombia to international satellite networks. These sites enable data collection from earth observation satellites and support the country’s growing space technology sector.
The infrastructure supports Colombia’s two operational satellites: Libertad I launched in 2007, and FACSAT-1 deployed in 2018. Both missions rely on ground-based tracking and communications.
The Colombian Air Force runs the main space tech development labs. These facilities focus on satellite component testing and system integration.
Research centers across Colombia support space tech with specialized labs. Universities team up with government agencies to move satellite design and testing forward.
Testing facilities center on small satellite technologies. Colombia’s approach favors cost-effective microsatellite solutions over big spacecraft.
Private sector labs add to government efforts. Companies developing space applications use these sites to prepare components for space.
Testing infrastructure lets local companies join international satellite projects and develop homegrown space capabilities.
Colombia offers amazing stargazing, with clear skies and low light pollution almost everywhere. The country’s varied geography—from the Andes to the Caribbean—creates some of the best spots for astronomical observation.
Tatacoa Desert Observatory really stands out as Colombia’s top spot for stargazing. Down in southern Colombia, the desert’s got barely any light pollution, and the skies stay impressively clear almost every night.
OATA runs the observatory right in the heart of the desert. They set up professional telescopes and lead guided viewing sessions for anyone who visits.
Equipment and Facilities at Tatacoa include some serious telescopes and a handful of educational displays. You’ll also find unique astrotourism accommodations close by, which is pretty convenient if you want to stay overnight.
Visitors usually get to the observatory by booking travel packages. Most packages cover transport from major cities and overnight stays, so it’s a pretty smooth trip.
Other Notable Locations in Colombia have jumped into astronomical tourism. The Andes mountains, for example, give you high-altitude views with less atmospheric interference.
On the Caribbean coast, you’ll get a totally different view of the sky. There, you can see southern hemisphere constellations that just don’t show up further north.
Travel companies have started putting together special astronomical tour packages. These tours mix stargazing with local culture, making the whole experience even richer.
Organized Stargazing Tours pop up all over Colombia’s best astronomical sites. Local guides walk visitors through the night sky and handle the telescopes.
Tour options range from quick, single-night events to longer, week-long adventures. Some tours cover multiple observation spots, so you get a taste of different regions.
Seasonal Viewing Opportunities shift throughout the year. Colombia’s spot near the equator lets you catch both northern and southern constellations, which is kind of rare.
Meteor showers draw big crowds, especially the Perseids in August. These showers look absolutely spectacular from certain Colombian locations.
Educational Programs often come with these tours. Science clubs and schools, especially around Tatacoa, get involved in these hands-on learning experiences.
Travel companies sometimes offer packages for specific astronomical events. These might include solar eclipses, rare planetary alignments, or comets making a close pass.
As more people discover Colombia’s amazing stargazing conditions, the astronomical tourism market keeps growing. Professional operators now run tours year-round in multiple spots.
Colombia still faces some tough technical roadblocks as it tries to build up its space program. Military leaders and international partners drive these efforts, but the regulatory framework is still a work in progress.
The country’s got big plans for satellite missions and space tourism, but there’s a lot to sort out first.
Colombia’s space program hits some basic tech limits that slow down commercial space travel. The Colombian Air Force leads the charge, but honestly, the country doesn’t have all the know-how to design and build spacecraft on its own yet.
Infrastructure Requirements
The FACSAT satellite program makes these challenges pretty obvious. FACSAT-1 worked out, but Colombia depended a lot on outside partners for both the launch and technical know-how.
Technical Development Gaps Colombia needs to get better at propulsion systems, life support, and spacecraft materials. Universities and research centers are chipping away at these gaps, teaming up with established space companies.
Ground infrastructure is another big hurdle. Before Colombia supports commercial space travel, it needs astronaut training centers, places to build spacecraft, and solid mission operations facilities.
The Colombian Space Commission tries to coordinate national space policy, but there’s no dedicated space agency yet. That makes it tricky to manage commercial space activities and space tourism.
Current Framework A Presidential Decree in 2006 created the CCE, pulling together 47 members from different government agencies and universities. They coordinate efforts, but the structure doesn’t have the authority that a real space agency would.
Colombia signed the Artemis Accords, showing it wants to play by international space rules. This opens up opportunities for working with NASA and other agencies on future missions.
Regulatory Needs Colombia still needs to set up rules for:
Colombia’s 2021 agreement with US Space Command on space situational awareness marks a step forward. These kinds of partnerships help shape the right regulations.
Colombia wants to lead the region in space through smart satellite missions and international teamwork. The FACSAT-3 constellation is the next big leap in this plan.
Satellite Mission Expansion The FACSAT-3 constellation, with three satellites, will help with Earth observation. These satellites will monitor agriculture, aid in disaster response, and support national security.
Space Tourism Potential Colombia’s spot near the equator actually makes it a great place for space launches. The country’s aerospace industry is growing, so commercial spaceflight might not be that far off.
International Collaboration Working with established space nations helps Colombia move faster. The country partners with others on satellite projects and even considers teaming up with Ecuador for future lunar missions.
Colombia’s long-term space strategy (looking all the way to 2042) focuses on building talent, improving infrastructure, and pushing technology innovation. These are the main ingredients for real, lasting growth in space.
The Space Shuttle Columbia disaster stands out as one of the most heartbreaking moments in space exploration. That tragedy pushed big changes in spacecraft safety protocols and made agencies rethink how they approach human spaceflight.
A chunk of foam insulation broke off the external fuel tank during Columbia’s launch. That foam slammed into the leading edge of the left wing at high speed.
The impact punched a hole in the wing’s reinforced carbon-carbon panels. These panels shielded the shuttle from the brutal heat of reentry.
When Columbia re-entered Earth’s atmosphere on February 1, 2003, hot gases got inside through the hole. The wing’s structure failed under the extreme heat, and the shuttle broke apart over Texas.
NASA engineers had seen the foam strike during launch but didn’t realize how bad the damage was. Foam had fallen off the tank before on other flights, so they thought it wasn’t a big deal.
After Columbia, NASA retired the Space Shuttle program in 2011. The agency started working on new spacecraft with better safety systems.
NASA began using Russian Soyuz spacecraft to send astronauts to the International Space Station. This left the US without its own human spaceflight capability for almost a decade.
The disaster also sped up the rise of commercial space companies. NASA launched the Commercial Crew Program, teaming up with private companies like SpaceX and Boeing.
Space agencies around the world tightened safety protocols for human spaceflight. The accident really drove home the need for better ways to assess damage during missions.
NASA came up with new ways to inspect spacecraft while in orbit. Astronauts now use robotic arms and cameras to check for damage after launch.
The International Space Station turned into a backup shelter for shuttle crews. If a shuttle got damaged, astronauts could stay on the station and wait for a rescue.
Mission planners wrote detailed repair procedures for astronauts to use in space. Crews got special training and tools for fixing all sorts of damage.
NASA also made pre-flight inspections of the fuel tank much stricter. Engineers changed how they applied foam to cut down on debris risks during launch.
Seven astronauts lost their lives in the Columbia disaster during the STS-107 mission. Commander Rick Husband and Pilot William McCool led the crew.
Mission specialists Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, and Laurel Clark joined them. Michael Anderson served as Payload Commander.
Israeli Air Force Colonel Ilan Ramon flew as a payload specialist, becoming the first Israeli in space.
The crew spent 16 days in orbit, running scientific experiments. Their work covered life sciences, physical sciences, and space technology projects.
The Columbia Accident Investigation Board published its final report in August 2003. Investigators confirmed that foam debris from the external tank caused the accident.
They found that NASA’s organizational culture played a big role in the disaster. The agency got used to the foam shedding problem and didn’t take the risk seriously enough.
The board pointed out flaws in NASA’s decision-making during the mission. Engineers had asked for better images of the damage, but mission managers turned them down.
Tests showed foam strikes could destroy the shuttle’s heat shield. Earlier flights had similar incidents, but those crews got lucky.
The Columbia disaster came second in the list of fatal space shuttle accidents. The Challenger explosion in 1986 killed seven astronauts right at launch.
In both cases, people at NASA already knew about the technical issues, but they didn’t fix them. Challenger’s O-ring seals failed in the cold, and Columbia kept having problems with foam debris.
The Columbia crew actually survived the initial problem and finished their mission. The tragedy struck only during reentry. On the other hand, Challenger’s crew died almost instantly after the explosion.
Both disasters forced NASA to ground the shuttle fleet for a long time. Shuttle flights stopped for 32 months after Challenger and 29 months after Columbia.
