Directory The Space Shuttle Columbia Crew Survival Investigation

Interactive course

The Space Shuttle Columbia Crew Survival Investigation

Learn from Columbia: Crew Survival, Safety Culture, and the Future of Human Spaceflight

WINGS

Credit

interactive-course

Type

About this interactive course

This FAA WINGS-accredited webinar examines the Space Shuttle Columbia accident recovery and the critical lessons learned about crew survivability. Featuring senior NASA leadership, flight directors, and program managers, this course explores the immediate response to the accident, the investigation findings, and the systemic changes implemented to enhance safety culture and risk management. Learn how Columbia's legacy shaped modern spacecraft design, including the Orion program and commercial crew vehicles, and understand the essential role of technical authority, probabilistic risk assessment, and crew-centered design in contemporary human spaceflight operations.

Who is this for?

  • Pilots and flight crews seeking FAA WINGS continuing education credit
  • Aerospace engineers and safety professionals in human spaceflight programs
  • NASA and contractor personnel involved in spacecraft design and operations
  • Aviation safety managers and risk assessment professionals
  • Anyone seeking to understand lessons learned from major aerospace accidents

What's inside

4 segments
  1. 1
    Instructional Video
  2. 2
    First Knowledge Checkpoint: Immediate Response and Recovery
  3. 3
    Second Knowledge Checkpoint: Safety Culture and Systemic Change
  4. 4
    FAA WINGS Final Graded Assessment

Frequently asked

Is this course eligible for FAA WINGS credit?

Yes. This is an FAA WINGS-accredited webinar. Upon successful completion of the final graded assessment (70% or higher), you will receive credit toward your FAA WINGS program requirements.

What is the time commitment for this course?

The webinar is approximately 82 minutes long, plus time for the two embedded knowledge checkpoints and the final graded assessment. Plan for approximately 90–100 minutes total.

What topics are covered in this webinar?

The course covers the Space Shuttle Columbia accident recovery, crew survivability investigation findings, systemic changes to NASA safety culture and governance, risk management improvements, and how these lessons have been incorporated into current spacecraft programs including Orion and commercial crew vehicles.

What is the passing score for the final assessment?

You must achieve 70% or higher on the eight-question final graded assessment to pass the course and earn FAA WINGS credit.

Who are the speakers in this webinar?

The webinar features senior NASA leaders including flight directors, program managers, and astronauts who were directly involved in the Columbia accident response, recovery, and subsequent safety and program improvements.

Can I pause the video during the webinar?

Yes. The video will pause automatically at two embedded knowledge checkpoints (approximately one-third and two-thirds through the course) to allow you to answer questions and confirm your understanding before continuing.