The Best Among Us, Remembering Space Shuttle Columbia

NASA Web Site ^ | 2/1/04 | NASA

[Paul Ross]

For those who have the time to quietly reflect, as we choose for our nation our leadership, I humbly submit that there is little better "signal" of character than this solemn memorial to fallen heroes...

[Paul Ross]

Agreed, heroes all, who ride the barely-contained explosions to orbit...and God-willing, back again. The only fitting tribute to the heroes of STS-107, Space Shuttle Columbia, is to resume manned space flight. And not just Shuttle operations... but to fulfill the larger mission of exploration and development.

[Old Professer]

Ain't this a heck of a time to make a simple spelling mistake?

I am a dedicated cynic, by that, I mean that I believe in no greater purpose than the end of an uneventful day.

Proud demonstration begets remonstration, and pride is a curse upon us all.

[Old Professer]

What, exactly, is the larger mission?

When I used to farm, I always dropped a few extra kernals in the hill, is that it?

[Paul Ross]

Would you have ever launched the first Mercury and Gemini missions? Or sent men to the Moon? Would you have given it all up as an impractically bad idea simply because of bad weather in Florida?

[Prime Choice]

What's more important? Proven material for the insulating foam? or a "more environmentally friendly" alternative which caused the death of 7 astronauts?

NASA operates at the whim of Congress. You got a beef over that issue? Take it up with the enviro-whackos and the jackwits they own in Congress, pal.

[Old Professer]

I would have "nuked" Moscow and had it done with.

[Paul Ross]

Yes. HEROES.

And the new direction......lifts our spirit..

[not2worry]

They were all Americans and it was a tragedy that we all lived through under the leadership of President George W. Bush!

Nothing is ever mentioned of the emotional trauma that all Americans have gone through over the last four years, but some seem to think the President wasn't at the helm holding us all together.

I pray for Four More Years of Leadership from George W. Bush comes tomorrow evening.

[pgyanke]

The semantic jungle is fraught with undergrowth, the childish attachment to the dead serves the living poorly.

Gibberish IS the undergrowth in your semantic jungle. The poorly worded rant meant to obfuscate rather than illuminate serves conversation and debate poorly. The reverence afforded those who serve honorably and with sacrifice--especially in the most dangerous fields of endeavor--is a worthy human undertaking.

[pgyanke]

Twice, the American public was lulled into a sense of the routine concerning "space travel" and both times a simple material failure proved the seriousness of the undertaking; shall we celebrate the next crew for their bravery or for their sheer follishness?

We're not talking about the American public. We're talking about the heroes who knew the risks and dared the challenge. Sit at home and Freep... leave the real risk taking to the bold.

[Old Professer]

So, we've gone beyond respect to reverence, what's next, canonization?

[rampage8]

Wow... there's a real positive thought to add to the discussion. I'm pretty sure this was supposed to be a motivational/inspirational thread. If it's not your cup of tea, just skip it next time.

[pgyanke]

Reverence may be a stronger word than respect... but they are still appropriate synonyms. Your "canonization" is a poor straw man.

Old Professor? You may want to hit a few more books...

[Old Professer]

Look, I'm not here to make friends or enemies; the guys in charge screwed up both times we lost space shuttles, the victims paid the price. The guys in charge are planning to try again in mid May.

Sure, it's tragic, and they knew the risk, but the rewards weren't expected to be discovery but were seen as celebrity and we have way too much of that as motive now for foolhardy behavior.

So, if it happens again, do we reuse the same hankies or do we ask the really important questions?

[kidkosmic1]

Another memorial (includes audio from George W.):

http://www.interviewwithgod.com/columbia/

[Ravenstar]

With all due respect, I work at Kennedy Space Center. I had worked with two of those astronauts directly. They know there is risk and that things can go wrong that we don't know about and yet they get on that extremely complex vehicle to push back the boundaries of our knowledge. They take the risk willingly so I disagree with both of you. They are heros and they go knowing there is a risk.

Ravenstar

[Paul Ross]

Ping.

[snopercod]

...there's not one among them who would have gotten aboard if they had the slightest inkling that the shuttle was as unreliable and dangerous as it not only was but was known to be.

You don't know much about human nature, do you.

[snopercod]

Thanks for the great picture of my old office (I was up on the 4th floor of the LCC).

[snopercod]

Nice tribute.