Laurel Clark

STS-107 Flight Insignia

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STS-107 Laurel Clark

Laurel Blair Salton Clark (March 10, 1961 – February 1, 2003) was an American physician and NASA astronaut who perished in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster during the re-entry of the shuttle's 28th mission, STS-107. Her life and career were marked by her dedication to science, education, and exploration, making her a significant figure in the history of space exploration.

Early Life and Education

Laurel Clark was born in Ames, Iowa, and grew up in Racine, Wisconsin. She demonstrated an early interest in science and the natural world, which guided her academic pursuits. Clark graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1983. She furthered her education by earning a Doctor of Medicine from the same university in 1987.

Medical Career

After completing her medical degree, Clark entered the United States Navy, where she trained as a submarine medical officer. She served as a diving medical officer at the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory in Groton, Connecticut, and later as a flight surgeon in various capacities, including serving with the Marine Corps. Her medical career in the Navy was distinguished by her focus on occupational health, particularly in extreme environments, which would later inform her work in space.

NASA Career

Clark's journey with NASA began when she was selected as an astronaut candidate in April 1996. Her training included rigorous preparation for spaceflight, encompassing physical training, technical training, and simulations. She served in various roles within NASA, including working in the Astronaut Office Payloads/Habitability Branch.

Her only spaceflight was STS-107, the ill-fated final mission of the Space Shuttle Columbia. Launched on January 16, 2003, the mission was dedicated to a multitude of scientific experiments across various disciplines, including astronomy, biology, and physics. Clark was a mission specialist on STS-107, responsible for the execution of many of the mission's science experiments.

Legacy

Laurel Clark's legacy is preserved through various memorials and honors, including scholarships established in her name and educational initiatives aimed at inspiring future generations in the fields of science and exploration. Her contributions to space exploration and science are remembered as embodying the spirit of discovery and the pursuit of knowledge.

Death

Clark died on February 1, 2003, when Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entering the Earth's atmosphere, leading to the loss of all seven crew members. The tragedy was a somber reminder of the risks associated with space exploration and led to significant changes in NASA's safety protocols and mission planning.

See Also

• Space Shuttle Columbia disaster
• STS-107
• NASA Astronaut Corps