Does anyone still remember / care to remember the Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy from Feb 1st, 2003?

Question

Please give truthful and respectful answers only.

If so, where were you February 1st, 2003 when you heard the news?

How did you feel then?

How do you feel about NASA now?

Do you think the shuttle program is still worth the risk?

Answer 1

On January 16, 2003, I had the privilage to see STS-107 lift-off into orbit on TV. I was watching "Regis and Kelly" at the time and the local Milwaukee station I was watching interrupted the show specifically for the launch since Laurel Clark is a Racine, Wisconsin native. I remember thinking, "how cool is that to have a woman from WI fly in space?" I thought the idea of that was extremely awesome! I don't know if many other people around the world saw the STS-107 launch, but I was thrilled to have seen it considering I don't ever see any launches of the space shuttle live on TV. I even went into work that night and talked to my fellow co-workers about it. I was just so excited to know Laurel was aboard. For the next two weeks, that's all I thought about.

On February 1, 2003, I awoke from sleeping on my couch and got ready for the day. I finally sat down and turned on the TV. I began flipping the channels. Of course, almost every news station had coverage of the accident. I was totally oblivious as to what occured. I personally thought something in Iraq happened. As I listened in more, it shocked me to learn it was the Space Shuttle Columbia. I was in utter numbness. I honestly didn't know how to react. My jaw dropped and I didn't speak. My eyes were fixed to the TV. All day long, I watched news coverage. I couldn't believe that two weeks ago, I saw this shuttle launch with Laurel Clark aboard and now I'm seeing the accident. The next day, I went online and studied each individual astronaut. I was totally interested in learning everything and anything I could about them. As I read on, I felt emotionally close to the crew. I started feeling more upset about what happened. Words couldn't explain my saddness. A couple days later, I saw a hour long news program dedicated to STS-107. I cried for the entire hour. My heartfelt sorrow took over me. From that point on, whenever I saw a video, heard a song, saw a picture, or anything at all of STS-107, I cried. It went on for at least 2 months. I couldn't help it. I felt so terrible. I felt like I wished there was something I could do for the families and friends to make the situation lighter or better. I wished I could take everyone's pain away, but at the same time, I wished I could've been at the memorials with the families and friends to comfort and assure them that they're not alone. I wanted to grieve with them, but instead I grieved alone. I'm sure they already knew the world was feeling the same pain. I'm sure they knew I was out there somewhere without even knowing me.

The STS-107 crew members gave me a sense of wisdom to look back at my life and change myself. I tell you, I wasn't a very good person. I started feeling spiritual mainly because of Rick Husband's faith. I looked toward God for forgiveness. Evelyn Husband's book, "High Calling" also really made me think twice about how I was living my life. I was deeply inspired by their love for God. From that moment, I truly felt like I was on a spiritual mission. On a road to God's love. Things in life started to make sense to me. I took the poison that was harming my life and threw everything out. I started listening to Christian Rock music in which I always never would imagine I would listen to and I love it now!!! I have been keeping a journal and writing all my positive thoughts about God and life. My writing has become more passionate then ever before. I'm the happiest now then ever before. It amazes me how a person can become so inspired whether it be a parent, a teacher, astronaut, policeman...etc. Anyone can have the power to change someone through inspiration.

Kalpana Chawla has expanded my horizons in life. I'm open minded to learning about different cultures...primarily about India. I would like to adopt a little girl from India someday. I'm currently taking care of a little girl in India through charity, but it would be nice to adopt. I've taught myself some Hindi. It turns out, I'm basically a natural. I've caught on quick with a little help of my Indian co-workers at my job. Speaking of my Indian co-workers, whenever I see them , I have to smile or wave at them. They're such sweet people and I'm reminded of KC of course. They're very precious just like KC herself. I know KC was a fan of classical Indian music, but I got into the modern Indian music such as A.R. Rahman, Shaan, and Karsh Kale. What I've learned about India is that it's a beautiful culture with much happiness in their ethnic background. To me, that is beyond words!!! I have a YAHOO Group dedicated to KC and one of the members of the group who is a Punjab Engineering College student personally asked me to write an article for the July 15, 2005 PAL Alumni newsletter. Of course, I immediately replied with a sincere YES!!! I was right on it!!! It was another privilage being Return To Flight was in a few weeks and it was in honor of KC and the STS-107 crew. To see my article, here is where you can see it: http://www.pals.org/pec/newsletter0705.html You'll have to download the newsletter, but then scroll down to pages 7, 8, and 9 to see my article. The article title is "The KC Effect." I have had many responses from many Indians. It makes me feel good that I did something special for KC and her fans...!!!

Even though a little over 3 years have passed since the Columbia accident, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of the crew. They grace my walls in my computer room as well as a couple decals on my Jeep Liberty. I honor them with all my heart, mind, and soul. I not only write about God and space in my journal, but I also write music in memory of STS-107. I write a genre variety of music, but most of it is space exploration or Indian themed....

I have purchased a NASA navy blue flight jacket from Countdown Creations online and bought the STS-107 patch for it. I adore wearing my pride for the crew in public. My main target is to make people remember who sacrificed their lives to better life for us here on Earth. I've gotten many comments regarding the jacket. To me, that is so rewarding!!

The STS-107 crew will continue to remain in my heart forever. I love them all dearly even though I never met them. I've learned that you can love people you never met. It is clearly possible!!! I'm sure they're all smiling down on us...

Answer 2

I remember - I was watching the TV for the landing.

I called one of my aerospace friends, who worked with me (he was a former NASA guy) and we talked for quite awhile. Kept either of us from applying to the space industry for the last few years.

Love the space industry.
I think risk is part of the game, but I also think the shuttle was built to goto the space station and the space station was built for the shuttle. Its a truck (nothing wrong with that), not an explorer.

NASA is like my own aerospace company - sometimes too big and lost in its direction. I think the shuttle is worth the risk, but I don't think the shuttle is the right direction for NASA. Contract out for truck duties, go back to pushing the exploration side.

Answer 3

1. Watching it on TV. They interupted a program. Don't remember which channel.

2. Very sad. Disappointed. Concerned about the people on board and their families. Concerned about the future of NASA and space exploration.

3. Still a great organization. But as in any organization, it needs improvement.

4. Yes, it's worth the risk. "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?" --- Robert Browning.

Answer 4

I was channel surfing, caught the headline on CNN, ran to my sister's room and told her to switch her TV to the story. We sat and watched and grieved together.

I think NASA, or something like it, is a necessary and worthwhile endeavor, and always worth the risk and the expense. The shuttle program, however, has outlived any usefulness it may have had.

Answer 5

I remember both the Columbia and the Challenger. the 2d became worse because there have been civilians in touch and it exceeded off on take off rather than landing. a minimum of the Columbia astronauts died on the _end_ of a effective challenge.

Answer 6

I do it was so sad