On Thursday, January 16th, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia lifted off for a 16 day science mission. On board were; Commander Rick Husband Pilot William C. McCool Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson Mission Specialist David M. Brown Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla Mission Specialist Laurel Clark Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon [Back to the Columbia special.] Space Shuttle Launch of STS-107, January 16, 2003