Re: woah.. Interesting thought....I wouldn't think so given that there is real time telemetry....but who knows. I do believe there are replacement "shuttles" in development, perhaps this will speed that up. People tend to forget that space travel is dangerous....12,000mph is very fast, they could have hit space debri, structural failure, who knows?? I guess we'll have to wait for the offical inquiry. Very sad day. Later Tim
Re: It's terrible! That IS quite a coincidence! Very sad thing to see this morning! I remember hearing about the Challenger incident, when I was in my dorm room back in college....guess this will be another of those "Where were you when..." type of tradegies! Considering the potential for disaster, it's amazing that this hasn't happened sooner...or worse - more frequently!
High Flight None but the brave... "High Flight" Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew - And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God. John Gillespie Magee, Jr. (pilot-RCAF, crashed 12/11/41, age 19)
God be with them and their families. It is a sad day for America. I was 12 when the Challenger exploded, was playing hookie from school and watched it unfold live on TV. It was the first tragedy that I can remember sticking in my mind that way. Ironically, I actually watched this mission liftoff live on the NASA channel on satellite. It was the first one that I had watched in years. I don't think that it was any act of terrorism. They are speculating that insulation from the external fuel tank hit the wing on liftoff, damaging the wing. They may have been doomed the whole time and not known it. I hate to admit it but it doesn't seem to be bothering me as much as maybe it should. After sept 11, I am numb to tragedy. Going fast and exploring space are dangerous affairs. The brave men and women that took the risk and paid the ultimate price are true heroes. If I had to choose how to go, that would be one of the ways I would want to. 12,000+mph has got to be the ultimate rush. Godspeed American (and Israelli) heroes....... RR
I was just at Kennedy Space center a week and a half ago and missed the shuttle launch by two days. I had bought my son a bunch of stuff from this mission like shirts and mission patch and a toy space shuttle. My prayers go out to the crew and their families as well to all of us. This has put me in a state of shock today. Last year I got to see one shuttle being transported to the launch pad and one more in the VAB building. God Speed and God Bless STS-107
Another sad day Often times, as we go thru the struggles of our daily lives, we can lose focus on what is really important in our lives. As we navigate the ultimate struggle we all go thru, to reach the goals we have set for our lives, small incidents often dim our view to what we really should focus on. The fact that we all have been given the precious gift of life, loved ones, and friends. And the fact that we have the ability to sit here and hold a discussion, as to what part to use in our engine, or what color we should paint our toys. At times like this, it's important to look beyond these insignificant details of life, and focus together on the larger issues. On the fact that there are some among us, who risk their very lives, to navigate for us our future as individuals, a country, and for mankind as a whole. On the fact that men and women risk their lives every day, to keep us free from tyranny, terror, and oppression. And to focus on the fact that we have been given a whole host of things to be thankful for. Life, Liberty, and our ability to pursue happiness. These gifts have been bestowed upon us at the cost of many lives, and paid for in blood. The blood of law enforcement officials, soldiers, sailors and airmen. And that of Astronauts. Godspeed, crew of the Columbia. We will not forget you. Your sacrifice will not be in vain.
I first heard of this on my way to the auto show here in Portland. The first few minutes I heard on the radio they were talking about President Bush returning to the White house to be briefed and the flags flying at half mast. My first thought was 'my God there's been another terrorist attack'. Then finally they mentioned the Columbia. No less dismayed at it being lost on re-entry. From some of the witness accounts I've heard since it sounds very much like they were losing tiles at a substantialy quicker rate than normal. Add that to the damage to the wing on launch and it is quite likely that excessive premature loss of tiles was the cause of the burn up. Our astronauts work in an extremely dangerous occupation and know the risks involved. Yet they still willingly take up the challenge because they believe what they are doing holds benefit for humanity. I for one applaud their tenacity and bravery in carrying out their chosen line of work. My prayers and thoughts go out to them and all their families and the extended NASA family as well. God bless and keep them.
Sad day. What's even sicker was the jokers who were trying to sell the debris pieces on Ebay. Everyone can use a little extra cash but that's goin over the edge. Ebay removed the items, it's nice to see a corporation that can draw the line. I feel for those children, man that's rough. Hopefully people will say a few words for them. Dexter
Sad day. What's even sicker was the jokers who were trying to sell the debris pieces on Ebay. Everyone can use a little extra cash but that's goin over the edge. Ebay removed the items, it's nice to see a corporation that can draw the line. I feel for those children, man that's rough. Hopefully people will say a few words for them. Dexter
columbia great picture scott . i saved it . the joker who stole &/or attempted to sell the debris on ebay are about to be arrested on a federal crime . lock their asses up !! our sympathies to these great explorers !!
I dont mean to sound like an ass or anything, my heart goes out to these peoples family and friends but...those astronauts knew that there is a big chance that they could die during this mission. How safe is it to go into space? They knew the risk and they willingly accepted it. Millions of people die around the world a day, do we care one wink about them? Really? Even the president knows that by being in office every nutcase in the world wants to kill him. Should we cry when he is assasinated? Should we cry at the sensless killing around the world? How about all the 3rd world countries fighting for something so significant to them, yet so small to us? by all means we should respect those astronauts, but life goes on. I care more for the people that died 9/11 than these people. No one forced them into space, they chose thier fate. I'm sorry if I have offended anyone with my mere opinion.
Yes, even knowing the risks, they went anyways........for thier country and for their freedom. They were doing things to make our lives easier and better, and yes...safer. No one forced them to go into a building that has already been a terrorost target, they did so......it was their job. I am sure some thought of something else happening loomed in the back of their minds after the basement bombing. I take no importance from one or the other. They all died for their country and all of them should be thought as such. God bless all of them. Mike
