PPE: Respirator Usage and Safety. A respirator is a personal protective device that is worn on the face. It covers the nose and mouth and is specifically designed to provide respiratory protection by forming a tight seal against the wearerâs skin. Respirators vary in their level of protection and efficiency to filter out airborne particles.
In 2003, Columbia disintegrated over Texas while returning from a 16-day trip to space. Later analysis found that a small bit of foam insulation that broke off an external fuel tank during launch had torn a hole in the orbiter's wing and led to the disaster. Gene Grush recounts the events from NASA's perspective.
On 1 February 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia began its descent back to Earth after a 16-day mission. The crew of seven â five men and two women â had carried out some 80 experiments during their time in Earthâs orbit.Now, they donned their pressure suits and prepared for a return to Earth.They never made it back.n 1 February 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia began its descent back to Earth after a 16-day mission. The crew of seven â five men and two women â had carried out some 80 experiments during their time in Earthâs orbit. Now, they donned their pressure suits and prepared for a return to Earth. They never made it back.