Space Shuttle. The Columbia boke up on re-entry today. An Israeli Air Force Colonel, Ilan Ramon, was one of the astronauts. No solid news of terrorist activity; security had been increased for both the launch and re-entry. Seven lives were lost. Lots of debris was found between Waco and the Louisiana border.

1967: Apollo 1 fire, January 27.

1986: Challenger explosion, January 28.

A Sunday launch of a Russian cargo ship to deliver supplies to the International Space Station will not be affected. There’s an emergency “escape pod” available on the space station to evacuate the three remaining astro/cosmonauts on board. They’re scheduled to return in March.