Posted on 02/01/2008 10:59:20 AM PST by BenLurkin
PALMDALE - The tragedy was felt nationwide when the space shuttle Columbia and its seven-astronaut crew were lost five years ago today when the orbiter broke apart during re-entry.
The loss was especially acute for the hundreds of people at The Boeing Co.'s site in Palmdale, birthplace of the shuttles and home to their various modifications.
From the earliest years of the space shuttle program, the employees of Rockwell International, which later became part of Boeing, have felt a personal connection to the space program and to the astronauts.
"I've never seen anything like it. There's just something special about this program," said Al Hoffman, Boeing's director of proprietary programs with nearly 20 years on the shuttle program. "It's pride, it's passion. I don't think anybody here would tell you it's just a job."
Donna Kinnamon has worked on the shuttle program, off and on, since 1983. She began installing the thermal protection system - items such as the tiles that cover the shuttle's body to protect it from the searing heat of re-entry - because it was a job none of the old-timers wanted.
...
The workers kept returning to the space shuttle. The company recorded about a 95% rate of recalling former employees.
"They had a love of the shuttle program. It's more of a family out here," Plunkett said.
"Once you have rocket fuel in your veins, you can't get it out," said David Arnold, a shuttle veteran since 1981.
Rollouts of a completed orbiter were bittersweet, Kinnamon said, as workers were happy and proud to see the successful completion of their task, but sad because it meant the shuttle would leave for its home base at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
They were special, moving events nonetheless, almost like seeing the shuttle for the first time.
(Excerpt) Read more at avpress.com ...
"TRAGIC ANNIVERSARY - Columbia made its debut March 8, 1979, in the Antelope Valley. After its construction at Plant 42 in Palmdale, the shuttle was ferried north along 10th Street East, now Challenger Way, to Edwards Air Force Base." Valley Press files
ping
It was a sad day when the seven man crew was lost. It’s a sad day looking back. May they all continue to rest in peace, and their families and friends relize how many share their sorrow.
mark
I agree.
There was a live thread when she crashed. I cannot seem to find it and I see that leadpenny (who, I believe started it) has not posted in some time.
You out there, lead?
This is the first post refering to the shuttle on that morning, that I can find.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/833908/posts
Thanks. But, there was an earlier one that day that was begun maybe an hour before scheduled touchdown. A Freeper in Texas reported that he had gone outside and seen a fireball. At the time, we just thought it was a normal re-entry.
Good Don-O.
I found a post at 833930 (or thereabouts) and typed in the numbers to go back to around 833890. 833908 was the first post problem thread. I hadn’t thought to look for an earlier pre-landing thread. I’m glad you did. I appreciate the link.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.