2003

• (August 27) For the first time in 60000 years the planet Mars passes through the smallest distance to Earth, 55758006 km.
• (February 1) Space shuttle explodes in Texas. The Columbia shuttle exploded, killing its seven crew members. At the time of the accident, the spacecraft traveled at 20,000 km / h, eighteen times the speed of sound.
• (March 24) 400 years since the death of Queen Elizabeth I of England.