STS-107 was the 113th mission of NASA's Space Shuttle program, launched on January 16, 2003. The mission's primary objective was to conduct scientific research in microgravity, with over 80 experiments planned in various fields, including biology, physics, and materials science. The crew consisted of seven astronauts, including Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut. Tragically, the mission ended in disaster when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry on February 1, 2003. All seven crew members lost their lives, leading to a suspension of the shuttle program and a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident, which highlighted issues related to foam insulation and safety protocols.