How much did the Columbia disaster cost?

The Columbia disaster, which occurred on February 1, 2003, resulted in the tragic loss of all seven astronauts aboard. The immediate financial cost of the disaster was estimated at around $1.5 billion, which included the loss of the orbiter, the investigation, and the impact on future missions. Additionally, the disaster led to significant changes in NASA's operations and safety protocols, incurring further long-term costs.