WIL WHEATON dot NET: 1.5

Excellent quote, my friend. I'm speechless

Barret

touching. thank you

Not the right / flight crew... there was a Japanese dude (Ellison Onizuka) !

Thanks, Wil.

I was in my high school dorm room when I heard about Challenger. When I heard about this one the same feelings and songs popped into my head.

My prayers go out to crew and their families.

Very true. This is a learning experience, but we'll continue. Great quote.

Wil,

Thanks for posting this. We have friends in the astronaut corps, although none were on board this morning. Still, we mourn the loss of this crew.

And we keep looking upward and outward!

Thanks, Wil. I've been feeling like I was 9 years old again ever since I woke up (which was half an hour ago, so I woke up right in the middle of this CNN coverage) and I've been trying to find some kind of quote to help me deal... I should have known to look to Eliot. Thank you.

I'm visiting outside Dallas right now...I swear to god I thought something huge had been bombed. Scary. And Guy, thats the one being shown on the news by NASA.

My thoughts and condolences go out to all their families.

We pray for one last landing
On the globe that gave us birth;
Let us rest our eyes on friendly skies
And the cool, green hills of Earth.
— Robert A. Heinlein, The Green Hills of Earth

May whatever gods they honoured send that their deaths are not the death of man's exploration of space...

Whoops, just checked news. Damn. My heart goes out to the families of the crew. Hail Columbia.

I just found out about it It's so tragic.

Touching quote.
It really brings the importance of the programme into perspective.

Continue.

Dev.

I woke up this morning to an instant message from a friend in Dallas talking about how she saw it happen.
It's so tragic, and my heart goes out to everyone affected, as I'm sure yours does too.

I honor the sacrifices that these seven people made for the cause of expanding human knowledge about the Universe, and Earth itself.

Let's hope like hell that in the following days that people will have enough decorum not to make or tell cruel and tastless jokes about this tragedy.

When I was 12 years old the Space Shuttle Challenger was destroyed. I became so interested in these brave people, astronauts, that I clipped nearly every article you can think of regarding the disaster and the space program. I became obsessed with the space program, went to Space Camp 3 times, got all the real manuals, checklists etc. It got me so interested in space and aviation I just knew I had to fly.

Flash forward to today. I am an airline Captain at age 27 and lucky as hell. Those 7 astronauts so long ago have so much to do with that. Then you wake up and it is happening all over again.

Let average Americans have no doubt, there are individuals who several times a year strap into the what represents the pinnacle of human scientific achievement, the ultimate vehicle of exploration, and one of the most dangerous things ever created. While we view the 30 second clips of successful launches and landings on the nightly news remember the incredible intelligence, desire, and bravery of the many at NASA espically their astronauts as they achieve what little boys and girls only dream of... and sometimes forget. Let's never forget the crew of STS-107 and their desire to show that sometimes dreams do come true when you attempt to achieve the impossible.

God Bless STS-107 and Hail Columbia! Godspeed.

It's so awful..I mean...to be just about home and all...and then this happens.

I was just shocked by the news. I wish them well on their journey to the afterlife and hope that they are at peace.

Honestly, I don't understand why everyone's in a tizzy over this. I suppose it's America's need to feel as though every tiny setback is a huge deal in order to make up for how wonderful things are for us (by comparison to most of the rest of the world) all of the time. Being an astronaut is a dangerous job, and NASA is as careful as it is because it's a dangerous job. If anyone ought to be surprised by anything, they ought to be surprised that this sort of thing doesn't happen more often.

Wow.

And most of us here, not me, not you, not even William fucking Shatner, will know how fabulous it felt to be those people in the days before they died.

Okay, maybe you -- but I'm too old by now. :)

(My reactions to it are on my own livejournal: http://mactavish.livejournal.com -- It's not all cogent, but I'm using the space to try to *get* cogent.)

I'm rather disappointed in myself. it seems that due to 9/11, I'm not phased by this. The closest I got to sadness was during the press briefing and O'Keefe broke up while talking about the families. In fact I'm rather pissed because this will kill the space program.

It's amazing to watch a dream actually go up in flames. These shuttles are so expensive and the investment involved is so formidable it just blows a hole in your heart to see so tragic an ending.
I'm especially touched by stories on the first Israeli astronaut. He is the son of an Aushwitz survivor and actually carried a drawing of the moon done by a 14-year old boy who drew it as a prisoner in Auschwitz. All the Israeli political commentators said he was the only thing these days that seemed to transcend the bloody trap of history the country has found itself in.
I know this should go without saying, but it just doesn't seem fair.

Very touching and appropriate quote, Wil. Thanks. When my mother called me this morning to tell me to turn the TV on, I couldn't believe it. In watching the news coverage, I'm instantly ten years old again and remembering the Challenger. I know, as someone pointed out, that space exploration is dangerous and that these people knew they were risking their lives, but it's still heart breaking to see something like this happen...especially when you consider how close they were to getting home. I can't imagine how their families must have felt. My heart goes out to the families of everyone in that crew.

My mom woke me up this Saturday morning, telling me the Space Shuttle was falling. This is all too much like waking up in January of '86 and turning on the radio to hear the Challenger was gone. Right now I'm feeling... Like I've had a fever and everything is sort of hazy and grey. I cry, I go to the gym, I listen to the radio, I cry a little more.

We have to keep flying in space, but we've got to get a more reliable system in place than the shuttle. There have been around 113 flights and two total losses, so we have a little under a two-percent total failure rate. Keep flying the shuttles, but please, we have to put a less failure prone, more modern, system in place, and we have to more beyond a system that is capable of only LEO flights. Don't abandon Station Alpha because of this, don't stop flying.

God bless NASA for doing its best. Their astronauts, families and technical people are the best there ever were. Godspeed Columbia.

Wow. Touching. Thank you for the quote, what a tribute. *going off to cry some more*

Thank you Wil.

My thoughts are with the families, and my hopes are that the space program will not be daunted.

This brings back so many memories of watching the Challenger takeoff in second grade. That is something I never wanted to relive. This is such a tragedy.

Well quoted Wil.

I got the news this morning when my friend called me up and told me what was happening and to turn on the news. I then called my parents and told them. This just brings back far too many memories of 17 years ago, although not quite as personally painful because this time I didn't know anybody on board. Still, it is a horrible tradgedy. But the seven brave souls knew the risks when the climbed on board and wililngly accepted them. They truly are among the most honorable people on earth.

Hail Columbia.

Very touching quote! A quote that really says it all.

very disappointed in James asking why eveyone is so broken up about this because we knew the space program was dangerous?
not to sound argumentative, but, what a jackass!

that's a kin to saying why mourn anyone when they die? We ALL die, right James?
Maybe when you die, James, no one will mourn you.
But that's just the way you want it, right?

No one is saying "HOW did this happen! They're saying "it's a SHAME it happened"

Jackass

I'm old enough to remember the reports of the fire on "Apollo 0", holding our breath for the crew of Apollo 13, the look on Dan Rather's face that morning as it appeared on my tv and thinking "Challenger was supposed to go up today..."
It doesn't get any easier. Nor should it.
Beautiful tribute...thanks

Thank you Wil. I was woken up a little before 7 am Pasadena time by my boyfriend in Tucson calling my cell phone. Seeing as I work for NASA at JPL and Caltech, I know our thoughts are with the families of the astronauts who were lost. Even though I was only 4 and a half when the Challenger accident happened I remember that as well and immediately thought of that when I saw the video. . .

I can only hope the American people show the same resolve they showed post-Sept11...the right thing to do to honour the fallen dead is to get back to work...to make sure the things these people worked so incredibly hard for aren't lost because we are afraid to let it happen again...my thanks to those who have gone before, and my thanks to those who will take the next brave step back in to space...heroes, all...my prayers to the friends and family of the lost...

~Nothing Gold Can Stay~

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
~Robert Frost

Very nice, Wil.
I will say a prayer for them and their families.

Peace,
Billman

Great tribute, Wil. Simple and dignified. These people are the best, and they push the envelope for all of us.

My heart is saddened as I'd hoped to never see another "tragedy" from our friends who travel and work in the Space Shuttle. A flood of memories has hit me because the loss here echoes that of "Challenger". I'm at a loss for words.

I remember seeing ST:IV The Voyage Home and the dedication to the men and women of the Space Shuttle Challenger. I remember holding back tears and being unable to think clearly for the first 20 minutes of the movie (which I would go and see 3 more times in the theater). I remember the tingling inside and the feeling of my hair standing on end - just as it had when I saw the news report - then, and now.

That was then and this is now, but the feelings and memories are flooding back and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the SS Columbia. With hopes and prayers for a future that will remember their efforts, I bow my head and cry for those who will miss them now.

In reflection,

Jerry

5 days after the anniversary of Apollo...
4 days after the anniversary of Challenger...
This tragedy has rendered me speechless. :(

Thank you for the quote, Wil. It's beautiful.

Thank you, Wil.
We can only pray for the families, now.

Very well chosen

*I am crying again now* :(

I remember the date very clearly. January 28, 1986.

I was in my Grade 9 Social Studies class waiting to take an exam. My teacher came in the room and said, in an almost offhand manner, "the space shuttle just exploded." I thought that she was joking. After the test (I cant recall if I passed it or nor), we went to the gymnasium and got the news officially from the principal. I spent the rest of the day and evening watching the news coverage.

Later that year, I was sitting in a movie theatre in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada waiting to watch Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home and some text came on the screen that I will always remember:

The cast and crew of Star Trek wish to dedicate this film to the men and women of the spaceship Challenger, whose courageous spirit shall live to the 23rd century and beyond..."

It sucked then.

It sucks now.

May God bless the brave souls of STS-107.

Amen.

I hope that people will honor the shuttle crew by celebrating their lives, knowing that they died doing something that they felt was incredibly important and beneficial to all mankind.

I remember the Challenger- at the tender age of 13.
Today is another sad day to but in the notebooks- as We all pause for a moment of silence and pray for the familes of the Crew- My heart goes out to them.
-
-
-Guy- that picture is the correct picture-

My prayers are with the families and friends of the 6 Americans and one Israeli who lost lost their lives today.

My prayers are especially with the country of Israel who today lost their first astronaut!

I am not old enough to remember anything about the Challenger other than vague images. Now, this falling shuttle has served to make me understand that piece of history of which I had very little grasp beforehand.

To address James: I think this is the way we should react when anyone dies, no matter what the conditions. We should not be used to death. Once we begin to be unfeeling on such a thing, then we lose our humanity. I agree that the newstations are sensationalizing this event to some extent, and am disappointed that this is truly seen as such a "profitable" tragidy. But let us never, ever become so heartless as to not react to tragedies. And you have an excellent point that we do not react to the tragedies of others as well as we should. I am not an american, but I share close kinship with them as a canadian. And this is a time to sit back and think of how lucky we are to have what we have. And despite this being a great tragedy, those people died living out their dream; how many more die daily simply because they do not have enough food?
Unfortunately, this event will soon fade and North America will again enter into the lifestyle of years past. We are all touched right now, but we should really allow this event to help us change how we live.
I greive for the families and friends. But I also send my heart out to the millions of families effected by other tragedies, those which we call common.

Want to apologize for my bad spelling. As many have already said, it is not a good day.

thank you Karina - your words are filled with intelligence and compassion. If only some of all the compassion and sympathy expressed today over this tragedy could be put into helping those who are still with us...starving, freezing and alone.

High Flight
by John Gillespie McGee, Jr.
No. 412 Squadron, RCAF

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds--and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of--wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark or even eagle flew.

And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Lord have mercy on those astronauts, and on their families.

I do not think that this will kill the space program. The commentators and callers on NPR's talk of the nation seemed to all consider this tradegy part of the cost of exploration, and some officials appearing on CBS also said that the space program will go on. (We can't take a couple of years off like we did in '86; we've got a manned space station now!)

I was stationed at Mayport Naval Station when the Challenge went down -- we could see the split vapor trails from there.

Was it Astounding/Analog's John Campbell who said that space exploration would mean the invention of new ways to die?

A few days ago, I re-read "Fallen Angels" by Mike Flynn, Niven, & Pournelle. And this morning I heard Dan Rather talking to some NASA suit about how many of us hoped to see a manned mission to Mars in our lifetime. The Nasa rep said that Mars had never been part of Nasa's mission. Dan Rather, who later mentioned that he had been at Rice when Kennedy gave his speech dedicating the US to the exploration of space, said about a manned mars mission: "Some of us still dream."

Vivat! the dream!

At 1pm today I had not turned on a television or listened to a radio all day. I was about to click on the TV when I stopped to check out WWDN. I first thought the picture was a tribute to the Challenger crew. Then I clicked on the link and looked at the date. Imagine my surprise.

gosh, it's terrible. i'm sick of death, death sucks, way too much death lately. i mean, 9/11, my dog Sweetie (although that may not really mean much to any of you, but it meant to world to me. i love her so much) and now this. *sigh* my love goes out to all the families. damn my idealistic mind! i hope everyone feels better soon!!!

:'(

Beautiful T.S. Eliot quote.. comforting and challenging. From what I've heard, the families who lost their loved ones this morning feel the same way.

~Janece

In a tower of flame in Capsule Twelve,
I was there.
I know not where they laid my bones,
it could be anywhere,
but when fire and smoke had faded,
the darkness left my sight,
I found my soul in a spaceship's soul
riding home on a trail of light.

For my wings are made of tungsten,
and my flesh is glass and steel,
I am the joy of Terra for the power that I wield.
Once upon a lifetime, I died a pioneer,
Now I sing within a spaceship's heart,
Does anybody hear?

My thunder rends the morning sky,
yes, I am here.
The loss to flame when I was man,
now I ride her without fear,
for I am more than man now,
and man built me with pride,
I led the way and I lead the way
to man's future in the sky.

For my wings are made of tungsten,
my flesh of glass and steel,
I am the joy of Terra for the power that I wield.
Once upon a lifetime, I died a pioneer,
Now I sing within a spaceship's heart,
Does anybody hear?

"The Phoenix" by Julia Ecklar, c. 1983

Take a look at the ages of the STS-107 crew. They were in high school and college when we lost 51-L.

And they still wanted to go. And for five, they finally did on this trip.

How many of today's highschoolers and college kids are ready to take their place?

Wil-
That was a very fitting quote for the tragedy that happened today. I was 13 when the Challenger tragedy happened, and never in my life did I think I would see something similar occur again. How sad... I've been crying and praying for the astronauts and their families all day. I don't think those brave men and women (who, yes, knew what they were getting into, but that doesn't mean they deserved to die) would want us to stop our space program. I think they would want us to continue to be the explorers that we are- I daresay some of them must have watched Star Trek, and looked toward a vision of the future that may turn out in a similar fashion. We must always continue to explore- to seek out new life and new civilisations- to boldly go where no one has gone before. Corny? Maybe, but it's a great way to live- and die. God bless the crew, and may we all be comforted knowing that they died doing what they loved most.
Love, Alicia
www.thewagband.com

I'm a little too young to remember Challenger, but I do clearly remember the first launch after that and how big of a deal it was [especially with me]. I've realized today how complacent I have been regarding the space program and how afraid I became for it's future... no matter what happens in the next few weeks and months, this tragedy is a big setback.

"There's one thing every scientist on the planet agrees on: whether it happens in a hundred years, or a thousand years, or a million years, eventually our sun will grow cold, and go out. When that happens, it won't just take us, it'll take Marilyn Monroe, and Lao-tsu, Einstein, Maruputo, Buddy Holly, Aristophanes - all of this. All of this was for nothing, unless we go to the stars." -- Jeffrey Sinclair, Babylon 5

I just don?t know what to say or how to feel about this, anger , shock and sadness. My thoughts are with the Crew, their family?s and the people and family?s involved with this mission and their own family?s. I hope this does not turn into a witch-hunt and there is no smoking gun this time. The danger is real with every space mission. They are all pioneers always pushing the boundary of what?s possible. Grieve, re-group , learn , continue? it is the only way to tribute these people. Lets also hope that we are getting closer to a new design space vehicle that does not carry the same dangers of the present.

Thanks for the fitting tribute. I needed something to open the gates...I was 9 when the Challenger exploded. The very same day, the school counselor was murdered a few yards from me. Worst day of my life, and so I wasn't letting this tragedy in. I think I have finally opened up, and can now honor these astronauts.
Thanks again.

from the "Navy Hymn" --
http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/questions/eternal.html

Eternal Father, King of birth,
Who didst create the heaven and earth,
And bid the planets and the sun
Their own appointed orbits run;
O hear us when we seek thy grace
From those who soar through outer space.
J. E. Volonte (1961)

--------------------
Here's an alternative non-authorized verse (apparently there have been many such written) that I copied from another message board, which supposedly attributes authorship to Robert Heinlein. I do not know if that is true. I do know that I agree with the sentiment expressed.

Almighty Ruler of the all,
Whose Power extends to great and small,
Who guides the stars with steadfast law,
Whose least creation fills with awe,
O grant thy mercy and thy grace,
To those who venture into space.

I was in 6th grade when the World lost Challenger. I was in my science class and we were watching the launch on television. The idea was that we were to write a long report on the space program and the men and women who have sacraficed so much to make it possible. The original assignment was supposed to cover the program as far back as Project Gemini, and even back to Sputnik.

We didn't have to complete the assignment after the disaster. Instead the assignment changed to writing a tribute to the astronauts of Challenger, and to all of the people around the world who lost their lives persuing Mankind's dream.

That was actually the title of my tribute: Mankind's Dream

I only wish I could remember the words I wrote. It would again be fitting to the events of today.

I did get an A on the writing, but then, everyone did, because it couldn't be possible to give someone a failing grade on heartfelt words...

And to LittleGuy, you asked about how many high school or college students would be willing to take their place, well, the truth is, I don't know about them. But, personally, I would do it. In a heartbeat. I would like to think, thet given the chance, people around the world would do the same. I for one would be honored to follow in the footsteps of these great pioneers, doing as they did, persuing Mankind's Dream...

Thanks for the quote, Wil.

Like most, it immediately brought back the memories of the Challenger. All of those feelings return. My heart and prayers go out to the families of the crew.

When my thoughts naturally turned to the Challenger, and therefore to elementary school, they turned, again, to a song we used to occasionaly sing in those days. I looked up the lyrics, and found the last verse striking; perhaps I was looking too hard for relevance but I am drawn to it nonetheless. With those apologies (and any more wished for) offered:

These mighty men labored by day and by night
Matching their strength 'gainst the river's wild flight
Through rapids and falls, they won the hard fight
So roll on, Columbia, roll on.

:*-(

Thank you Wil.

We pray for one last landing
On the globe that gave us birth;
Let us rest our eyes on friendly skies
And the cool, green hills of Earth.

Robert Anson Heinlein, The Green Hills of Earth

I am in unashamed tears. We were watching the de-orbit burn here... argh... agony.... but we must keep launching... we must keep flying. We must.

I had only passed my second birthday when the Challenger trajedy occured. However through my love for space exploration, (eventually fueled by Star Trek when I was only ten), I learned what I could. In the aftermath of todays events I would still want to be the next person on on a space shuttle.

At first I didn't understand the tribute you put up this morning to the Columbia shuttle crew, and then I saw the news reports on CNN. Even though I wasn't personally affected by the Columbia trajedy I cried anyway. My heart goes out to everyone involved and I prey for their stregnth in the days to come.

From my weblog:

To the astronauts of Columbia and their co-workers and families.....

Super Hero's Don't Die, They Just Flyaway.....

Maybe from the brave crew of 7 and our loss we will learn. They have taught us that even though they all came from different backgrounds, cultures and religions they came together for the good of ALL man kind. They went in peace I hope we can do the same!
I hope we will keep the dream alive & continue to fund the space program. We should never lose sight of the fact that they were pioneers to a better future for ALL.
L.Goodson

I've just heard about this and my heart goes out to the families of all seven of the crew members.

Tragedy really makes one stop in our tracks to think about life...

What a sad day for all of us.

I was in elementary school when we lost Apollo on the pad. I had just finished college, had my first "real" job when I turned on the TV and watched in disbelief as Challenger and her crew fell back to the Earth. This morning as I watched Columbia streak across the screen of my TV, I couldn't believe the loss of these heros.

Remember them always and keep them and their families in your prayers.

~brice~

God Bless everyone in space travel and that they will have safer journys than these people. I hope they are with Him! thanx Wil for posting this!

Great quote. Wishing their familys the best as they deal with this tradgedy.

FG

There are no words to express the feelings that well up within me when I hear such news. I can think of no comforting words for family, friends or colleagues. I can only say in all honesty that I will pray for them, while to some that may mean little it is all I can do. I cannot imagine their grief for it must be a infinity removed from the sadness and grief that I, having never met these people, feel.

When words fail,
At times such as these,
Draw close to one another,
Be there,
For one another,
For when words fail,
As they do now,
Silence,
Can be a healer,
When held together in love.

Tragic. A week ago my students read a story about the Challenger. They weren't born at the time, but I told them I would always remember where I was when it happened...7th grade Math. Unfortunately, they will remember this day as well.

What annoys me is the Media trying to pinpoint this on terrorist actions. Damn you Murdorch News. Unfortunately, events like this will happen in our time, as no form of exploration is 100% safe. If it was, then we would not have see any advancements on the Roads, or Air, or even Naval travel. Hopefully the search will go on. It is a setback, a terrible setback, but we cannot allow one event to dictate the future. If we did we would never progress anywhere. I hope the journey
will continue.

Perhap's it's easy to say that as a European, as we have no real space travel program (I'm Welsh by the way)but i can only hope we learn from this grave mistake, and make our way into the future.

Yours
Sion B

"No grave or tombstone do they need, for their memory will survive
"As long as we fly beyond the sky and keep the dream alive."

--"Keep the Dream Alive"

If you ever dreamed of going into space, if you still want to visit Luna City before you die, if you believe that our species canNOT keep all its eggs on one planet, write your Congressional representatives and urge them to support the space program. All of our fallen astronauts, I am sure, would vigorously protest their deaths being used as an excuse for us to give up. Give them the only memorial worth having--a strong space program.

I have no fitting words. Only these...

It feel like i did when i was five and watching Challenger.

My heart goes out to the families of the shuttle crew and all those at NASA.

In the pursuit of science, knowledge and truth these people united for this common purpose.

They came from diverse backgrounds and overcame tremendous odds to gain their place on the shuttle and gave their lives for a program, an ideal, they believed in.

Although not from the US or Russia, the manned space programs always gave me inspiration and hope that something better can come from the stars and from the human endeavour to reach them.

Today this hope will not be dimmed.

It will shine on as it has always done, in their memory.

Thank you Columbia.

Best Speed.

I am old enough to remember Apollo 1, President Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King (though I was very young... the images of Walter Cronkite on CBS explaining how JFK was killed remains as one of my earliest memories).

I've often dreamt of space travel, and was at the unemployment office on January 28, 1986, having been laid off from my dream job (in commercial art) the day before. I let a lot of dreams go to the wayside that year....

Now when Littleguy hopes and asks about who will take up the mantle... I hope everyone who can will.

We never thought to worry about space shuttles until Challenger exploded... then we had it brought to us again. The seven folks who were on Columbia today were fully aware that things aren't always perfect and they still wanted to be able to experience something less than 500 people on this entire GLOBE has done... to be weightless and work for our world from space.

We never thought to really consider how dangerous the job for police, fire and rescue workers was until 9/11 -- when they were just doing their job no matter the risks... now we painfully remember every time we hear a siren or see a police car or fire truck buzz by.

We never thought re-entry was dangerous for the shuttle, but as I reminded my co-workers today, we have been flying with 22 year old technology.... hoping that the old work horses would fly no matter what, with every administration since Nixon cutting NASA's funding and mission.

We must continue to aim for the stars... our future is still there.

I only wish I were young enough to restart my dreams that I always wanted to have lead me into space.

Those of you young enough to rekindle your dreams no matter what it is... don't forget to do it... you will never regret your life and you will serve others, no matter what the dream.

Godspeed Columbia and my condolences to their friends and family.

-- B. Martin
Corpus Christi, TX

The following is na extract from my blog, but I think is relevant to this discusion and as such, I'll post it here as well. These are my thoughts on todays accident. I haven't gone in to depth eulogising (sp?) the crew, there are people more skilled that can do that better.

------------

My condolences go out to all those directly effected by this tragedy, but I also have a sense of grief for all of us. While my thoughts should really stay with the families of the shutle crew, they can't help but rush ahead to what this means for all of us.

NASA's fleet of shuttles is aging, Columbia first flew in 1981 (over 20 years ago). Most of us would not keep a car this long, far less something as advanced and as complicated as the shuttle. Recent years have also seen NASA's run in to funding problems. If these problems have contributed to this disaster (and I do consider this a disaster) then the future of the fleet will surely be called in to question, and with it endevours such as the international space station and any future manned mission's to the moon (or in the more distant future Mars).

If NASA can't financially support its fleet of shuttles then they may have to be shut down (or at the very least reduced in numbers). While the crew excepts a certain risk on a shuttle mission, this is a risk backed up with the best safety and security money can buy. If we can't afford the best we can't ask the crew to risk themselves, it would be wrong to do so.

You could make an argument that sending a man or woman in to space isn't really necessary, that enough of the tests they would run could be automated and the argument may well be valid. But to me there is another side to sending people in to space. It represents an achievment, something near impossible that the enginuity of mankind has overcome, to retreat now back to unmanned satalites would be to admit that we aren't ready to play out there. We are allways reading news articles about new discoveries in space (from looking back at the begining of time to the search for other habitats that can support life, from the serious to somewhat gimicky), these articles help show us that were not all there is, they give us a sense of wonder.

To me space is an extremly personal experience. It is unlikelly I will ever go there, but I dream about it. Endless open vistas stretching before my imagination, fuelled by the facts scientists discover. If people of different nationalities and genders can get along in a cramped space station then it can't be impossible for us to do the same on earth, where we have more space to spread out and be ourselves. That sounded a little trite, but I hope you can understand what I mean. Space is a golden horizon that pulls many of us onwards, making us strive to end up in a world society that values and desires to explore and utillise (but not exploit) the oportunities it can give us.

In short, NASA (and its equivalents across the world) need more money not less. If america can't support its shuttle fleet, we'll all loose. Sounds a little one sided, perhaps its time other countries tried to help America (or one of the other space faring nations) financially. I would support a small increase in my taxes to support space exploration and research as long as all this research went in to the public domain

I was in tears and shock this morning when I heard the news. I'm from Australia, but space exploration has been at the very centre of my life since I was born. However, I've been deeply gratified to see just how many people support the space program and what it represents, not just to our friends in the US, but to the people of the world.

guy, Onizuka was on the Challenger.

My thoughts and prayers go to all the family members effected by this tradegy.

......and know the place for the first time
through the unknown, unremembered gate
when the last of earth left to discover
is that which was the beginning;

at the source of the longest river
the voice of the hidden waterfall
and the children in the apple-tree
not known, because not looked for
but heard, half heard, in the stillness
between the two waves of the sea.

quick now, here, now, always--
a condition of complete simplicity
(costing not less than everything)
and all shall be well and
all manner of things shall be well
when the tongues of flame are in-folded
into the crowned knot of fire
and the fire and the rose are one.

--t. s. eliot
from the close of his Four Quartets

it's on my closet door, this quote wil gave to all of us again. a few years ago on thanksgiving, a company took out a full page ad in the local paper, and all that appeared there was the poem. so i saved it. it rings, now.

even so
te deum laudamus
&
dona nobis pacem

fitting tribute, Wil.
Thank you.

when the challenger went, i was about three weeks out from my 16th birthday. We watched it in my 1st period social studies class. We watched it blow up. Imagine a class of 40 kids, stunned into silence. For the entire day. We'd open our mouths to say something, and nothing would come out. A choking sound, a whining sound, the sound of speechless shock.

And the loss of Ramon. The loss of Petr's picture. The loss of a torah that survived Bergen-Belsen. On top of the other six- gods, what an utter shame. L'Chaim!

I am typing From Australia,and we had an experiment on the shuttle to do with spiders and there effect on them spinning a web in space,this was run by a high school about 10 minuits from were i live..We here in Australia are deeply saddened by what happened

It is a crying shame, that the countries of this world can not put their petty differences, endless bickering, and senseless grudges aside, even if just for a little while, and concentrate all of their combined efforts, talents, and intelligence on a common goal, with that goal being space exploration and colonization, and bringing to life the very dream of our friend Gene Roddenberry, God rest his soul, to a reality. Infinite possibilities in infinite diversity was one of the defining visions in the Trek universe, and while much of the technology in the show most likey could never be possible in this lifetime, at least the founding principles of cooperation and diversity could be achieved. These 7 astronauts, just like all of those before them, and all of those that will follow, for a brief instant in infinite time, set aside all of those differences and worked together to achieve something wonderous, something that many of us on this Earth today will only be able to dream of. And it is these people that we, not as Americans or Canadians or any other nationality, but as members of Humankind, should strive to be like in everything we do, from the simplist tasks to the most complicated endeavors. It will be then, and only then, when the people of this world will be able to achieve things more wonderous than we could ever imagine...

My life is so pathertic and sad, I need to make myself feel better by mocking the grief of others. Please pay attention to me.

In Robert Heinlein's early work "Requiem," the hero dies in a successful voyage to the moon. He is buried on the lunar surface by companions who have no grave marker other than a shipping tag for a compressed air cylinder. When Mr. Heinlein died, he was, according to his instructions, cremated and his ashes scattered at sea from a US Navy warship. Some feel it would be appropriate to honor him by placing a pint of seawater and a shipping tag, inscribed with RL Stevenson's "Requiem" (which follows), on Mare Imbrium.

Requiem

UNDER the wide and starry sky
Dig the grave and let me lie:
Glad did I live and gladly die,
And I laid me down with a will.

This be the verse you 'grave for me:
Here he lies where he long'd to be;
Home is the sailor, home from the sea,
And the hunter home from the hill.

And yes, "bastard," you are one indeed.

Thank you for the kind words Mr. Wil Wheaton. Reminding me to enjoy all of life's joys and discoveries day by day because others have died so that I may do so.

I don't know about anybody else...but I want to be up amongst the stars some day. Dare to dream dare to imagine...then do it!

Wil:

Thank you for the fitting words; God Bless the
souls of the Columbia Crew.

As for the seven-letter word who wrote in at 6:13pm-consider the source-not worthy of being on the same page as the magnificent souls lost in the atmosphere today.

There are just no words.....
Rick

Know it's been said, but very good quote Wil. I go to Virginia Tech and have a psyc teacher that tells us that every class "so we can expand or horizons." It's very true and touching in this instance. Thanx

A very touching and appropriate tribute, Wil. Thank you.

I truly cannot find the words to express my sadness regarding this tragedy. So many horrible things have been happening in the world lately that I hesitate to turn on the news for fear of what new tragedy may be unfolding.

Then this happens.

For me, the space program has always been an inspiration - a glimpse of what the future might hold for us all. When all else in the world seemed bleak, I could turn my eyes skyward, where people from different nations worked together with a common vision.

Truly a sad, sad day. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone touched by this tragedy.

Remembering David Brown, William and Mary class of '78. One day someone will step foot on Mars, and we will remember your dream.

i thought the president had a good quote:
"The crew of the shuttle Columbia did not return safely to earth, yet we can pray that all are safely home." - GWBush.
i'm not much of a fan of his but this line had me bummin'.

cheers, wil.

eric

I had the unfortunate circumstance of spending
the day homebound.

I saw the whole specacle live - start to finish.

NASA engineers spoke of telemetry indicating
astronouts on board knew doom was looming for at
least 5 solid min. before the .....

I'll never be the same.

I was 18 months old when Columbia went on her first mission. I sat in front of the t.v. with my mother and watched her take off.
Then other shuttles joined her: Challenger for a time, Endeavor, Atlantis and Discovery. A family of five sisters.
I know some of you may think me strange to ascribe human attributes to machines, but, to me, these shuttles are just as important as the humans they carry. And as of late, they have not been treated with much respect. Ophios made a wonderful point about how NASA has had to deal with funding issues. Politicians talk about how important the space program is, but never seem to want to put in the required maintenance. And if you don't take care of something, be it man or machine, it will fail you eventually. Today, one of the men who piloted Columbia described the shuttle as a "butterfly on a bullet". These shuttles are butterflies in their complexity and design and hopefully this tragedy has reaffirmed how well they must be treated in order to bring our people back safely. I also pray that Washington will help in this effort by allowing the space program more funding so that no more families will lose loved ones and Endeavor, Discovery and Atlantis won't lose another sister.

"You treat her like a lady, and she'll always bring you home."
-Dr. Leonard H. McCoy to Lt. Commander Data on the Enterprise D

I am speechless shock and sad and especially sad about the people who go to ebay and sell the debris and ebay allows it to me its disrespectful and cruel and rude.I hope when we get to mars that they be honor on that mission or something. I aint a fan of bush but he did a good job when he gave his personal speech today. I was 9 when the challenger blew up in jan 28 1986 and it just brings bad memories back and I sat in front of the tv and saw it blew up so it amazes me that after set 11 we have another big loss and hope the space program will move ona nd get back into space soon.

What happened? I mean what the hell just happened? Its a rhetorical question honestly. I just I dont know what to think or say. They were interviewed I believe a few days ago I saw it on tv. The wierd thing is I never watch it. It never really interested me, but for some reason i was glued when i saw it. The first Israeli Astronaut. I thought it was awesome. I am not Israeli or know much about that culture but I felt proud for some reason. It was a great accomplishment. when people succeed in dreams like that even if you dont relate, you feel a sense of pride because they did something that they dreamed and are living what was in their head all those years. Its a goal we all have and that is where the relevancy to our lives is. The first Indian(Indian American I belive forgive if I am wrong I cant remember somehow) woman in space. It was her second time up there but still its a great thing. I think i was glued to the interview because of her mainly cuz she reminded me of a friend from years ago.
Something this tragic shouldnt happen. Unfortunately no matter how much it SHOULDNT happen these tings do happen and it hurts immensely. I cried today when i found out because they were doing so well and they were all so happy. And yes, I do have flashbacks of 5th grade in class watching the challenger go off and be proud that a teacher like one of my own was up there only to be horrified that they were all gone. People you respect leaving your lives whether you knew them or not hurts either way.
I respect them, I morn the loss, and I keep them in my prayers. They will never be forgotten by me.

And now I started crying again... )-;

please write to your representative that you wish to continue support for future space programs (if you do, that is). The loss will be of course hard on NASA, though NASA has been through these hard times before. The only things that have kept them going are your enthusiastic support for space exploration and the supply of the resources (i.e., money and pure talents).

Please don't let the Congress and Bush administration an excellent opportunity to kill future space programs.

Thank you.

-b

well said...
our prayers go out to the families. To the families: Thank you for sharing those so dear to you with the rest of us.

Bush wont kill the space program hewants it to continue

The picture and quote says it all Wil. All I can add is a prayer for their families.

I remember when I got home at 7am (arizona time) and turned on the TV only to see the explosion. I was shocked. This kind of stuff just doesn't happen. All those people dead. Just like that. It is so sad.

I'm always grateful to log onto Wil's site and read the comments of the community that's been established here. In the spirit of CONTINUING the space program, I offer this:

"Invictus"
by William Earnest Henley
 
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from Pole to Pole
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
 
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud,
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
 
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
 
It matters not how straight the gate,
How charged with punishment the scroll;
I am the Master of My Fate;
I am the Captain of my Soul.

bless Columbia and her crew

The loss of the Shuttle crew is a tremendous blow. I fear that this may be the beginning of the end of U.S. manned spaceflight. If the shuttles are grounded another nation will have to
pick up the ball, or the Space Station will never be finished. The replacement vehicles for the shuttle should have been started over 10 years ago, but have never been funded. In less then 9 years all shuttles will be grounded. If a major push were to start now, there would still be a period without a U.S. space vehicle while new ones were being built.

From Israel, we are all sad here, and sad for you Americns as well. so sad, so many things to say, and at the same time speechless.
:-(