For millions, it was an event that would be seared into their memories for the rest of their lives – on par with the Kennedy assassination and 9/11.

On February 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia fell apart as it returned to Earth after spending more than two weeks in space. The accident instantly killed all seven astronauts on board.

SHREVEPORT, La - The Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart over East Texas as it returned to earth on Feb. 1, 2003. Pieces of Columbia showered there and parts of Louisiana. KTBS was there talking ...

Corrections & Clarifications: An earlier version of this story misstated the date of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. It occurred Feb. 1, 2003. For millions of Americans, it was an event that ...