Columbia's latest crew was comprised of personnel from a diverse array of disciplines.

Cmdr. Rick Husband
Cmdr. Rick Husband held a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Technical University, and a master's degree in mechanical engineering from California State University in Fresno. He was a member in the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, Tau Beta Pi, the Air Force Association, and the Texas Tech Ex-Students Association. Husband was a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and was married with two children.

William McCool
Pilot William McCool held a bachelor's degree in applied science from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master's degree in computer science from the University of Maryland, and a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He was an eagle scout and was a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. McCool was a commander in the Navy and was married.

Kalpana Chawla
Born in Karnal, India, mission specialist Kalpana Chawla held a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College in India, a master's degree in aerospace engineering from University of Texas, and a doctorate of psychology in aerospace engineering from University of Colorado. She held a certificated flight instructor license with airplane and glider ratings, commercial pilot licenses for both single and multi-engine land and seaplanes. Some of Chawla's hobbies included hiking, backpacking and reading.

David Brown
Mission Specialist David Brown held a bachelor's degree in biology from the College of William and Mary, and a doctorate in medicine from Eastern Virginia Medical School. He is a former president of the International Association of Military Flight Surgeon Pilots. He was also an associate fellow in the Aerospace Medical Association and the Society of U.S. Naval Flight Surgeons. Brown was a captain in the U.S. Navy and enjoyed flying and bicycle touring.

Michael Anderson
Mission Specialist Michael Anderson held a bachelor's degree in physics and astronomy from the University of Washington, and a master's degree in physics from Creighton University. He was awarded the defense superior service medal, the U.S. Air Force meritorious service medal, and the U.S. Air Force achievement medal with one oak leaf cluster. Anderson was a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force and is survived by his wife and children.

Laurel Clark
Mission Specialist Laurel Clark held a bachelor's degree in zoology and a doctorate in medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She received three Navy commendation medals, a national defense medal, and an overseas service ribbon. Clark was a member of the Aerospace Medical Association, the Society of U.S. Naval Flight Surgeons, and was a commander in the Navy. She was married with one child.

Ilan Ramon
Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon held a bachelor's degree in electronics and computer engineering from the University of Tel Aviv, Israel. He trained on and flew in numerous aircraft including the F-16, A-4, F-4 and the Mirage III-C. Ramon was a colonel in the Israel Air Force and enjoyed skiing and squash with his wife and four children.