NASA ASTRONAUT CAPTURES HAUNTING IMAGE OF WORLD TRADE CENTRE AFTER 9/11 FROM SPACE

On the morning of September 11, 2001, as the world below faced unimaginable tragedy, NASA astronaut Frank Culbertson, aboard the International Space Station (ISS), bore witness to the aftermath of the attacks from space.

More than 200 miles above Earth, Culbertson captured a haunting image of smoke rising from the World Trade Center in New York City, after two planes crashed into the Twin Towers. His vantage point offered a chilling perspective on one of the darkest moments in modern history.

The photograph, taken shortly after the second tower’s collapse, shows the vast metropolitan area of New York City, with a massive plume of smoke billowing from Ground Zero. This image remains a powerful reminder of the event, viewed from a place few could imagine witnessing it.

Frank Culbertson’s emotional response

Culbertson, the only American not on Earth during the attacks, was serving as the commander of Expedition 3 aboard the ISS. As the horrific news reached him, Culbertson began documenting the unfolding disaster. In addition to photographs, he wrote a deeply emotional letter reflecting on the tragic events.

In his letter, posted the day after the attacks, he described the shock of seeing his own country in turmoil from space, writing, "The world changed today."

Culbertson’s words highlighted the stark contrast between his mission—designed to improve life on Earth—and the destruction unfolding below.

NASA’s role in the aftermath of 9/11

In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, NASA's role extended beyond documenting the event. The agency collaborated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to monitor air quality over New York. NASA deployed aircraft equipped with sensors to gather data on potential atmospheric contaminants and utilised satellite resources to assist in recovery efforts.

Honouring 9/11 victims in space

In December 2001, during Space Shuttle Endeavour’s STS-108 mission, NASA paid tribute to the victims of 9/11 by flying nearly 6,000 small American flags aboard the shuttle. These flags were later presented to the families of those who perished in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania through the "Flags for Heroes and Families" campaign.

At a Flag Day ceremony in 2002, held at the American Museum of Natural History, these flags were distributed to victims’ relatives, symbolising the nation’s strength and resilience.

A memorial on Mars

NASA’s tribute didn’t stop on Earth. In honour of the victims, Honeybee Robotics, a company located near Ground Zero, contributed to a lasting memorial on Mars. Pieces of aluminium recovered from the wreckage of the World Trade Center were used to create cable shields for NASA’s Spirit and Opportunity rovers. These shields, etched with the American flag, rest on Mars, serving as a tribute to the victims of 9/11 that will endure for millions of years.

The national 9/11 flag and NASA’s contributions

The National 9/11 Flag, initially found hanging near Ground Zero, became a symbol of national recovery. It was restored with contributions from across the country, including NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, which added Florida’s symbolic touch to the fabric.

This flag is displayed at the National September 11 Memorial Museum, a lasting reminder of American resilience and unity. NASA’s involvement, both during and after the attacks, showcased the agency’s dedication to honouring the victims and supporting the nation during a time of great tragedy.

The legacy of 9/11 continues, with tributes stretching from Earth to Mars, immortalising the resilience of the human spirit.