On February 1, 2003, America was once again reminded of the bravery, courage, and idealism required of those who leave the confines of our planet to explore space. Our nation and the world mourn the loss of all seven members of the space shuttle Columbia. Their dedication was complete, their sacrifice ultimate. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they deal with this horrible tragedy.
We must now turn to the task of determining the causes of this tragedy. The families of those that were lost and all Americans deserve nothing less than a swift and thorough investigation of this incident. Congress and the Administration must restore the public’s faith in NASA’s human space flight program.
This tragedy should not sway America’s commitment to human space flight. Space provides humankind with a unique laboratory to develop and test a myriad of new technologies. Experiments conducted aboard previous shuttle missions have led to a deeper understanding of how osteoporosis affects the human body; and technology developed for space flight has led to life-saving innovations such as the pacemaker and telemetry. Many of the advances made in the intensive care unit stem from the monitoring of astronauts’ vital signs while in flight. The Human Research Facility on the International Space Station promises to advance our understanding of the heart and lungs, the growth and maintenance of muscle and bone, the body’s ability to sense position and maintain balance and the regulation of the body’s many systems.
Outside of medical technology, many other advances and scientific information can be directly attributed to the human space flight program. Technologies developed and used in America’s space program have benefited many different sectors of our economy such as aeronautics, communications, IT, and many more.
Without the courage of our astronauts, would have never broken the limits of our atmosphere, challenging us to push the envelope in search of more. Without the courage of our astronauts, we would have never tested the limits of the human body in a weightless environment. Without the idealism of our astronauts, mankind would have never traveled beyond the earth to walk on another planetary body.
Yes, there are lessons to be learned from Columbia, but the cause for which those seven astronauts died will continue.
Our journey into space will go on with the same vision and courage, working for the betterment of mankind.
