NASA’s biggest moments since its establishment in 1958

Fifteen years ago on Feb. 1, 2003, NASA faced one of its biggest tragedies when the Columbia space shuttle broke apart before landing back on Earth, killing seven astronauts.

NASA’s safety features were criticized afterward, but the accident was deemed not survivable.

Scroll down to read more about the Columbia space shuttle disaster, as well as some other NASA tragedies and accomplishments since its establishment on July 29, 1958.