Astronaut's e-mail sent from space

waff ^

[chance33_98]

Astronaut's e-mail sent from space

Here is the text of an e-mail message astronaut Laurel Clark sent to friends and family Friday from the space shuttle Columbia:

Hello from above our magnificent planet Earth. The perspective is truly awe-inspiring. This is a terrific mission and we are very busy doing science round the clock. Just getting a moment to type e-mail is precious so this will be short, and distributed to many who I know and love.

I have seen some incredible sights: lightning spreading over the Pacific, the Aurora Australis lighting up the entire visible horizon with the cityglow of Australia below, the crescent moon setting over the limb of the Earth, the vast plains of Africa and the dunes on Cape Horn, rivers breaking through tall mountain passes, the scars of humanity, the continuous line of life extending from North America, through Central America and into South America, a crescent moon setting over the limb of our blue planet. Mount Fuji looks life a small bump from up here, but it does stand out as a very distinct landmark.

Magically, the very first day we flew over Lake Michigan and I saw Wind Point (Wis.) clearly. Haven't been so lucky since. Every orbit we go over a slightly different part of the Earth. Of course, much of the time I'm working back in Spacehab and don't see any of it. Whenever I do get to look out, it is glorious. Even the stars have a special brightness.

I have seen my 'friend' Orion several times. Taking photos of the earth is a real challenge, but a steep learning curve. I think I have finally gotten some beautiful shots the last 2 days. Keeping my fingers crossed that they're in sharp focus.

My near vision has gotten a little worse up here so you may have seen pics/video of me wearing glasses. I feel blessed to be here representing our country and carrying out the research of scientists around the world. All of the experiments have accomplished most of their goals despite the inevitable hiccups that occur when such a complicated undertaking is undertaken. Some experiments have even done extra science. A few are finished and one is just getting started today.

The food is great and I am feeling very comfortable in this new, totally different environment. It still takes a while to eat as gravity doesn't help pull food down your esophagus. It is also a constant challenge to stay adequately hydrated. Since our body fluids are shifted toward our heads our sense of thirst is almost nonexistent.

Thanks to many of you who have supported me and my adventures throughout the years. This was definitely one to beat all. I hope you could feel the positive energy that beamed to the whole planet as we glided over our shared planet.

Love to all, Laurel

[cricket]

Thanks for posting. . .given the tragic ending; all the more poignant.

I cannot help but feel that our 'America'; our Government, let these Astronauts down; sending them up in something less than, the absolute 'best of the best'; . . .

. . .how can we take for granted and do less for our finest, our 'Best'; when they risk everything?

[TaRaRaBoomDeAyGoreLostToday!]

LAUREL BLAIR SALTON CLARK, M.D. (COMMANDER, USN) NASA ASTRONAUT

[SarahW]

Made me think of "Blade Runner"....the speech where the dying Rutger Hauer describes the wonders he has seen in his short life...

[chance33_98]

Ping

[chance33_98]

Made me think of "Blade Runner"....the speech where the dying Rutger Hauer describes the wonders he has seen in his short life...

I remember that well, was the best scene in the movie IMHO.

[Keith]

I used to live in her hometown of Racine....lived right near Wind Point, where one of the few operating lighthouses not on an ocean is located...I know that town well...my brother went to her high school long ago. They are in need of prayers tonight.

[Ramius]

What a cruel thing to say to the hardworking people that designed and built those craft, and have safely operated many dozens of missions.

[TaRaRaBoomDeAyGoreLostToday!]

Accidents happen. The Astronauts, like any other profession are well aware of the risks. This was not anyones fault.

[OldFriend]

the Government is NOT G-D.......in case you didn't know that

[First_Salute]

You didn't say anything wrong.

Our people who have the courage to take risks do indeed deserve the best; and unfortunately, there are far too many government administrative types who interfere with the people in the trenches with the wrenches.

[ladyinred]

How sad to read this. It sounds as though she was having a wonderful time. I hope that is some comfort to her family. There really are no words are there?

[cricket]

"the Government is NOT G-D.......in case you didn't know that"

. . .not sure what you are saying. . .that God willed this? Or. . .are you defending the Government by offering that 'we are only human?'

. . .the Government is G-D, only if you are a Liberal; which I am not. . .

. . .but I am confused. . .

[SarahW]

Agreed.

I found a bit of it recorded...

http://bau2.uibk.ac.at/perki/records/brunner2/track12.au

[amom]

Thanks for the picture and your level headed responses.

[cricket]

"What a cruel thing to say to the hardworking people that designed and built those craft, and have safely operated many dozens of missions"

Cruel?

. . .or just a reality check. . .(or did I miss the LOL here?)

[facedown]

Bump; ping.

[cricket]

"Accidents happen. The Astronauts, like any other profession are well aware of the risks. This was not anyones fault."

. . . inasmuch as we are human and therefore subject to a certain of amount of ignorance and often in direct proportion to our intelligence; it is no ones fault. . .

. . .or you are right and 'accidents happen'. . .which of course, they do.

[cricket]

"You didn't say anything wrong. . .Our people who have the courage to take risks do indeed deserve the best; and unfortunately, there are far too many government administrative types who interfere with the people in the trenches with the wrenches."

Thanks; and bump for imperfect realities! It has been too easy to just say 'no' to NASA it seems. (Clinton did it more easily than anyone...)

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

PiNgS