Expressing Condolences Of The House To The Families Of The Crew Of The Space Shuttle ``Columbia''
Mr. Speaker, Today, I rise to salute the seven astronauts who lost their lives aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia: Commander Rick Husband; Pilot William McCool; Mission Specialists Michael P. Anderson, David M. Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and…
Mr. Speaker, Today, I rise to salute the seven astronauts who lost their lives aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia: Commander Rick Husband; Pilot William McCool; Mission Specialists Michael P. Anderson, David M. Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and Laurel Clark; and payload specialist Ilan Ramon, an Israeli.
On January 16, 2002, the Columbia left on a 16-day mission that was dedicated to research in physical, life, and space sciences, conducted in approximately 80 separate experiments, and comprised of hundreds of samples and test points. The men and women aboard the Columbia traveled over six million miles and labored 24 hours a day to complete this mission. On February 1, 2003, just minutes from completing its mission, the Columbia was lost during its reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. This loss was unexpected and terrible and today we remember not only this tragedy, but the seven heroes who were lost and their achievement.
For the families of the seven, we share your grief in this national tragedy. With heavy hearts we as a nation share in your sorrow and pride. My sincere condolences and prayers are with you in this time of great loss. America was blessed to have such men and women serving in the space program. While our space program has experienced tragedy before, it never becomes easy to bear. And today we grieve the loss of these heroes.
Though there are great risks involved in space travel, its benefits to life on earth has been tremendous. The heroes aboard the Columbia were fulfilling America's commitment of more than a half century to explore the universe. Their loss does nothing to diminish the great respect that American's have in the space program. Despite this great loss, America will continue to send people into space. The dedication and professionalism of astronauts have impressed us for generations and the crew of the Columbia continued this tradition of brave men and women who have traveled into space to honor the American spirit of exploration. These astronauts are an example of everything that we consider honorable. Honoring them with this resolution is just one way we can pay tribute to their memory and accomplishments.