Air flow about the shuttle upon reentry. A computational fluid dynamics simulation.
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NASA
Welcome Home Columbia!
News story originally written on July 18, 1997
The shuttle Columbia returned to Earth Thurday, July 17. It carried with it research on the topics of fire and plants.
During the 16 day journey, the astronauts took turns setting 206 controlled fires. They also set the weakest flame ever - one that was much weaker than a birthday candle!
Cartoon character Popeye would have been happy on this mission, because the Columbia astronauts grew spinach on the mission. Future space station residents will also have to grow some of their own food.
Shuttle commander James Halsell said this was a great mission because the shuttle didn't have many problems.
NASA's next shuttle flight is a research mission by Discovery in August.
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