Space Shuttle Columbia released a report 2003 on the last minutes of Space Shuttle Columbia . Columbia broke apart some 200,000 feet over Texas -- just minutes before it was to have touched down in Florida . seven astronauts died when the spacecraft broke up while returning to Earth in Tuesday . Report : Astronauts knew for about 40 seconds that they 'd lost control of craft . Report also cited problems with the crew 's helmets , spacesuits and restraints .
Space Shuttle Columbia released a report 2003 on the last minutes of Space Shuttle Columbia . seven astronauts died when the spacecraft broke up while returning to Earth in Tuesday . Report : Astronauts knew for about 40 seconds that they 'd lost control of craft . Report also cited problems with the crew 's helmets , spacesuits and restraints .