Seconds from Disaster

The programme investigates in depth the tragic fate of NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia, which broke apart during re‑entry into Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts on board. It scrutinises the circumstances surrounding the disaster, seeking to understand the factors that led to the loss.

The programme titled Space Shuttle Columbia is presented as a single‑episode investigation. Classified simply as a programme and falling within the episode genre, it offers a focused look at a specific event in NASA’s history. The core of the episode centres on an inquiry into the fate of the space shuttle Columbia. It recounts how the orbiter broke apart during its re‑entry into Earth’s atmosphere, a catastrophic failure that resulted in the deaths of all seven astronauts on board. The investigation seeks to piece together what went wrong as the shuttle descended, highlighting the tragic loss of the crew. Throughout the broadcast, the investigation examines the circumstances surrounding the disaster, tracing the shuttle’s final moments and the impact of the tragedy. By concentrating on the disintegration of Columbia and the consequent loss of life, the programme aims to provide viewers with a clear understanding of the event’s significance. It remains firmly rooted in the factual details of the incident, offering a concise yet thorough account of what happened on that fateful re‑entry.