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Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum "Remembering Columbia"

Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum "Remembering Columbia"

Two losses, one a national tragedy and one a personal tragedy, merged and created a bond that would change Sabine County, Texas forever.  The Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum “Remembering Columbia” opened to the public on February 1, 2011.  The museum was made possible by the generous donations of many, especially that of Mr. Albert “Al” Smith, who donated the money for the construction of the building.

Patricia Huffman Smith NASA museum
Columbia disintegrated over East Texas on its landing descent to Kennedy Space Center of February 1, 2003 at 8:59 AM EST at the conclusion of a microgravity research mission, STS-107

Columbia (OV-102), the first of NASA’s orbiter fleet, made its maiden voyage on April 12, 1981.  It proved the operational concept of a winged, reusable spaceship by successfully completing the Orbital Flight Test Program mission STS-1 through STS-4.

The purpose of the museum is to pay tribute to Columbia’s 28 missions, especially that of STS-107.

An area is designated to the seven fallen heroes of mission STS-107 and to the two searchers who lost their lives in the recovery efforts.

A Digital Learning Center located inside the museum provides an excellent opportunity for the advancement of education.

A theatre provides entertainment to people of all ages.  Simulators are being added to capture the attention of visitors and will keep one entertained.

Don’t forget to visit our on-site gift shop.  The museum is open to the public seven days a week year round (excluding holidays). Admission is $5/adult and $3/student.  (Group rates are available.)

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Saturday | 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday | 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Want to know why we exist?
Come to the museum.

In Memory of:

Patricia Huffman Smith

STS-107 Crew

Commander Rick D. Husband
Pilot William C. McCool
Mission Specialist David M. Brown
Flight Engineer Kalpana Chawla
Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson
Mission Specialist Laurel B. Clark
Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon

Recovery Team
Texas Forest Service    Charles Krenek
Papillion Pilot   Charles “Buzz” F. Mier, Jr
 

Piney woods

Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum "Remembering Columbia"