posted 01-20-2025 01:52 PM               

STS-107 Shuttle Columbia 22nd anniversary commemoration

The Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum will honor the legacy of the Space Shuttle Columbia with two days of special events planned to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the tragedy that unfolded in the skies over East Texas.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, the public is invited to the museum in Hemphill, Texas to take part in a solemn observance in memory of the seven-member crew of Columbia's STS-107 mission.

The museum will open at 7:30 a.m., with the program beginning 15 minutes later. A moment of silence will be observed at the time NASA lost contact with the orbiter's crew. The names of the astronauts, as well as two volunteers who lost their lives during the 2003 search and recovery effort will be read aloud.

Saturday's program will also include a presentation by Herb Baker, a retired NASA business manager who worked nearly 50 years for the space agency.

Baker spent most of his career at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) supporting the Space Shuttle, Space Station, and Orion Programs but also worked at the Kennedy Space Center and NASA Headquarters. His last position was serving as the Manager of the Operations Support Office at JSC which provided support to the Flight Operations Office and included support to the Astronaut Office, Mission Control operations, NASA's Aircraft Operations, and astronaut training. He is currently an Officer on the Board of Directors of the NASA Alumni League and spends most of his time volunteering for organizations that promote STEM engagement, including the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and Space Center Houston.

Baker will also sign copies of his just-published memoir, 'From Apollo to Artemis: Stories From My 50 Years With NASA.' The book shares behind-the-scenes stories of the triumphs and tragedies that helped shape the course of space exploration. Baker's personal anecdotes, combined with historical context, create a rich narrative that captures the excitement, dedication, and innovation that define NASA.

Free admission will be offered all day Saturday, as the museum is also marking its 14th anniversary of operation.

First-time and return visitors are invited to explore the museum's 3,400-square-foot main gallery, which features displays documenting Space Shuttle Columbia's 28 missions, STS-107 artifacts, scale models, a flown-in-space shuttle launch suit, and a visual account of Columbia's final mission and the recovery effort that followed. A shuttle flight deck simulator constructed by former NASA engineers allows visitors to take the controls and experience a virtual landing of the Space Shuttle. Also part of the permanent collection -- the accomplishments and personalities of the STS-107 crew members are illustrated through personal items and photos donated by their families.

A gift shop also features a wide variety of souvenirs, from apparel and astronaut food, to books, DVDs and NASA patches, including the 'Hail & Farewell' Columbia patch, which is available exclusively at the museum.

On Friday night from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., the museum will host 'A Night at the Museum.' The public is invited to this casual social gathering to network with neighbors, the Sabine County Chamber of Commerce, and members of VFW Post 10351. Light refreshments will be provided. Herb Baker will also participate in a Q&A about his book, career, and current NASA projects.

The Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum is located at 375 Sabine Street in Hemphill.