Seven die in shuttle disaster

Inquiries have been launched to discover why the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it returned home, killing all seven crew members. BBC News Online provides special reports on the tragedy and following investigation.

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America mourns

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A couple paying their respects

With the people of the United States mourning the loss of the seven astronauts killed, the Johnson Space Centre in Houston where the mission was being overseen, has become a focal point for expressions of grief.

 Luisa Baldini in Houston

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Shuttle disaster

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Witnesses said they heard 'sonic-type boom'

The US space shuttle Columbia broke up soon after re-entering the Earth's atmosphere just minutes before it was due to land. Nasa officials hope recovered debris will provide vital clues. Space shuttle flights have been suspended pending the inquiries.

 Matt Frei reports from Washington

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Nasa mission control

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Contact was lost over Texas

The space agency Nasa lost contact with the craft about 15 minutes before it was due to land at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Concern has been raised about a piece of insulating foam that hit Columbia's left wing on launch.

 The last communications with Columbia

 Nasa news conference

 Nasa technical briefing

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Reaction

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Bush mourns "terrible news"

Shock and grief has been felt around the world - not just in the US but in India, where one of the crew was born, and in Israel, which had hoped to celebrate the return of the first Israeli astronaut.

 President Bush's statement

 Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon

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The Columbia crew

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The crew included the first Israeli astronaut

Tributes have been paid to the five men and two women who died on board Columbia. Among the team was the first Israeli to go to space, Ilan Ramon. Four of the seven crew were on their first shuttle mission.

 Samantha Simmonds reports