One focus of attention in the investigation into the tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia is possible damage to its protective thermal tiles on the left wing from a flying piece of debris during lift-off on January 16.

Israel’s first astronaut, Ilan Ramon, gave a troubled country something to cheer about when he blasted off on January 16 on the space shuttle Columbia.

When Israel’s first astronaut, Ilan Ramon, rockets away aboard shuttle Columbia, he will take along the first kosher meals ever packed for space.