The Nationwide Area Society invitations you to the subsequent Area Discussion board
Thursday, Augusts 15, 2024, 9:00 pm to 10:15 pm EDT
Bringing Columbia House:
The Untold Story of a Misplaced Area Shuttle and Her Crew
With:

Be a part of the subsequent NSS Area Discussion board to listen to the inspiring story of the extraordinary efforts to get well the stays of the Area Shuttle Columbia and her crew after the tragic accident on February 1, 2003. Of their e-book, Bringing Columbia House: The Untold Story of a Misplaced Area Shuttle and Her Crew, co-authors Michael Leinbach and Jonathan Ward chronicle the tragic lack of the Area Shuttle Columbia throughout its STS-107 mission and the huge restoration effort that ensued, involving hundreds of individuals from NASA, the FBI, native legislation enforcement, and volunteers.
The Area Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon reentry into the Earth’s environment, killing all seven astronauts on board. The catastrophe was attributable to harm to the shuttle’s left wing forefront, which occurred throughout launch when a chunk of froth insulation from the exterior tank struck the wing, making a breach that allowed scorching gases to penetrate and weaken the interior construction, inflicting the shuttle to interrupt aside.
Through the area discussion board, Mike and Jonathan will describe the main points of the search that coated greater than 2,000 sq. miles throughout Texas and Louisiana, the place particles was scattered. They are going to share private tales from these concerned within the restoration, highlighting their dedication, resilience, and the sturdy sense of group and teamwork. As with most tragedies that contain the interaction between human actions and know-how, Mike and Jonathan can even replicate on the teachings realized from the Columbia catastrophe, each by way of technical and organizational adjustments at NASA that led to enhancements in shuttle and spaceflight security.
Don’t miss this vital area discussion board that appears again on a nationwide area tragedy whereas offering an inspirational message of honoring each the crew of STS-107 and the story of those that “Introduced Columbia House.” Register for the area discussion board as we speak utilizing the hyperlinks in this message.
As a particular bonus, NSS has secured 4 copies of “Bringing Columbia House.” These books can be signed by co-authors Mike Leinbach and Jonathan Ward and can be given away as digital door prizes.
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Mike Leinbach was the ultimate Shuttle Launch Director at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Area Heart (KSC), Florida. He was chargeable for general shuttle launch countdown coverage, planning, and execution actions within the final eleven years of this system. Mike’s NASA profession started in 1984 when he joined the company as a structural engineer. He rapidly rose by way of the ranks, initially main design efforts for vital launch pad programs. By 1988, he turned a NASA Take a look at Director, overseeing each day operations on the Kennedy Area Heart’s Launch Complicated.
In 1991 Mike was named Shuttle Take a look at Director, conducting the terminal countdown and launch of seventeen shuttle missions. In August 2000 he turned the Launch Director and led the Launch Group for all Shuttle missions from then to the top of this system in 2011, serving because the particular person to provide the ultimate “Go!” for launch.
In 2003, following the tragic breakup of Area Shuttle Columbia, Mike led the preliminary particles restoration efforts in Texas and Louisiana. He spearheaded the Columbia Reconstruction Group, which meticulously analyzed the collected particles to find out the reason for the accident. His revolutionary suggestion to mortgage the particles to educational establishments has contributed to the event of safer spacecraft. Following his retirement from NASA in November 2011, Mike transitioned to overseeing human area operations for United Launch Alliance ((ULA), the place he helped to combine ULA ‘s Atlas V rocket with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft as a part of NASA’s Industrial Crew program.
Mike collaborated with writer Jonathan Ward on the challenge “Bringing Columbia House,” which chronicles the restoration efforts and legacy of the Columbia catastrophe. This challenge underscores his dedication to honoring the reminiscence of the Columbia crew and advancing the sector of area exploration. His many service awards embrace the Presidential Rank Award, NASA’s Distinctive Service Medal, and NASA’s Medal for Excellent Management.
Jonathan Ward is the writer of 4 area historical past books, a cruise ship astronomer and enrichment speaker, and an avid astrophotographer. Jonathan’s most up-to-date e-book, “By way of the Glass Ceiling to the Stars,” was written in collaboration with astronaut Eileen Collins, the primary American girl to pilot and command area missions. Jonathan and Eileen have given e-book signings and shows about Collins’ life and spaceflight missions at regional and nationwide conferences throughout the US. A feature-length documentary “Spacewoman,” based mostly on the e-book and produced by Haviland Digital, is scheduled for launch in 2025.
Jonathan is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a NASA/JPL Photo voltaic System Ambassador. Jonathan spends about half the 12 months at sea as an area exploration lecturer and astronomer on ocean cruises. Previously two years he has been featured on Viking, Cunard, Atlas, Silversea, Celeb, and Oceania voyages.
Whereas he wouldn’t name himself a “thrill-seeker,” Jonathan does wish to journey, discover, re-invent himself, and push himself out of his consolation zone to broaden his private information in his areas of curiosity. This has led to such numerous experiences as taking a zero-G flight, skydiving, and singing on two GRAMMY-winning albums with the Nationwide Symphony at “the Different Kennedy Heart” (for the Performing Arts). He resides in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Register as we speak to order your seat and ask your questions. Use the hyperlink under.
Register no later than August 15 at 8 pm EST
Previous NSS Area Boards and City Halls could also be seen right here.