Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • April 2004 (Revised May 2010)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Columbia's Final Mission

By: Richard M.J. Bohmer, Amy C. Edmondson, Michael Roberto, Laura Feldman and Erika Ferlins
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:33
ShareBar

Abstract

Describes the 16-day final mission of the space shuttle Columbia in January 2003 in which seven astronauts died. Includes background on NASA and the creation of the human space flight program, including the 1970 Apollo 13 crisis and 1986 Challenger disaster. Examines NASA's organizational culture, leadership, and the influences on the investigation of and response to foam shedding from the external fuel tank during shuttle launch.

Keywords

Leadership; Crisis Management; Management Skills; Organizational Culture; Groups and Teams; Behavior; Aerospace Industry

Citation

Bohmer, Richard M.J., Amy C. Edmondson, Michael Roberto, Laura Feldman, and Erika Ferlins. "Columbia's Final Mission." Harvard Business School Case 304-090, April 2004. (Revised May 2010.)
  • Educators
  • Purchase

About The Author

Amy C. Edmondson

Technology and Operations Management
→More Publications

More from the Authors

    • May 2025
    • Faculty Research

    Responsive Working at PepsiCo UK (B)

    By: Amy C. Edmondson and Nancy Boghossian Staples
    • May 2025
    • Faculty Research

    Responsive Working at PepsiCo UK (C)

    By: Amy C. Edmondson and Nancy Boghossian Staples
    • May–June 2025
    • Harvard Business Review

    What People Get Wrong About Psychological Safety

    By: Amy C. Edmondson and Michaela J. Kerrissey
More from the Authors
  • Responsive Working at PepsiCo UK (B) By: Amy C. Edmondson and Nancy Boghossian Staples
  • Responsive Working at PepsiCo UK (C) By: Amy C. Edmondson and Nancy Boghossian Staples
  • What People Get Wrong About Psychological Safety By: Amy C. Edmondson and Michaela J. Kerrissey
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College.