Tag: black history month

toshiagain:

Today, the first day of Black History Month, I would like to honour Michael P. Anderson, who died 15 years ago as the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon reentry.

After graduating high school in New York as one of just 4 African-American students in a class of 200, Anderson earned his Bachelor’s degree and went on to join the United States Air Force. Lt. Colonel Michael P. Anderson joined NASA in 1994, selected as one of just 19 candidates out of 2,962 applicants. He spent a total of 24 days, 18 hours, and 8 minutes in space across two missions including STS-107, the final flight of Space Shuttle Columbia.

On the morning of 01 February 2003, Anderson and his six fellow crew members aboard the space shuttle Columbia were killed when the orbiter disintegrated in the atmosphere. He was 43 years old. He was survived by his wife and two daughters, ages 9 and 11 at the time.

Following his death, he was awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor by the President of the United States, the highest award given to astronauts who distinguish themselves from the rest through their mission.

Today, we celebrate Michael and thank him for his contributions to science and discovery.

Godspeed, Lt. Colonel Michael P. Anderson.