Earth's

On Wednesday, mission managers completed final inspections of the shuttle's heat shield for entry into the Earth's atmosphere.

Space Shuttle Nears Final Landing 2011

Meanwhile, NASA has designated Lockheed's four-person space capsule, dubbed Orion, as the likely vehicle to take future astronauts beyond Earth's orbit, a decision that could lock in billions of revenue over the next few years.

Lockheed Looks For More Job Cuts Lauren Pollock 2011

But the sky literally fell here on February 1, 2003 when the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart while reentering Earth's atmosphere - something people here will never forget.

East Texas Remembers Columbia Tragedy as Final Shuttle Landing Approaches 2011

On Wednesday, mission managers completed final inspections of the shuttle's heat shield for entry into the Earth's atmosphere.

Space Shuttle Nears Final Landing 2011

But the sky literally fell here on February 1, 2003 when the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart while reentering Earth's atmosphere - something people here will never forget.

East Texas Remembers Columbia Tragedy as Final Shuttle Landing Approaches 2011

In 2003, the space shuttle Columbia was destroyed when it re-entered Earth's atmosphere because of damage during launch.

US Astronauts Inspecting Shuttle for Damage 2011

How on Earth would I navigate 1/3rd of the Earth's surface in a yellow school bus if I couldn't even get the bus to drive ten blocks in my hometown of eight million people?

Grif Peterson: Car Trouble Grif Peterson 2011

Or, in this case, the rock deep under the Earth's surface.

Dr. Philip Neches: Natural Gas Pains Dr. Philip Neches 2011

In 2003, the space shuttle Columbia was destroyed when it re-entered Earth's atmosphere because of damage during launch.

US Astronauts Inspecting Shuttle for Damage 2011

Oceans cover about 70% of the Earth's surface and average about 4,000 meters deep.

China to Dive for Buried Treasures Jeremy Page 2011