What are the decomposers in the underwater ecosystem? A: The decomposers in an underwater ecosystem are animal-like organisms called protists, fungi and bacteria. Referred to as saprotrophs, these organisms decom... Full Answer >
On 1 February 2003 the space shuttle Columbia exploded as it was attempting re-entry after a 16-day mission. All seven astronauts on board, including the first Israeli in space, were killed. Tributes to the astronauts were led by US President George W Bush.
In 25 years of space exploration seven people have died - today that total has been doubled. President Ronald Reagan has described the tragedy as a national loss. The Challenger's flight, the 25th by a shuttle, had already been delayed because of bad weather. High winds, then icicles caused the launch to be postponed from 22 January.