It is definately a big tradegy. After spending half a month in space, and after more then 100 trouble free landings, this one hsppened to end up as an inferno.

 

The dangers of space exploration never becomes more apparent than when we face losses of this kind. Indeed, as others have noted on this thread, this recalls memory of Challenger back in ’86-- I’ll never forget it. Nor will I forget how terrible everyone felt in losing such courageous, good men and women; those who flew with Amazing Grace amongst the stars. So too shall it be for the crew of Columbia.

There can never really be a bright side, so to speak, when ships go down with all hands, but in this instance I still feel a bit of thankfulness in knowing that at least they were able to experience the joys of Earth orbit for those 16 days; something the crew of Challenger never had the chance to marvel over.

From loss, sacrifice, and courage are heroes born. In my opinion, for their valor the world is in time to be a better place.

 

now can NASA get more funding and GET RID of these 20+ year old design clunker space shuttles and build a better, more efficient, and hopefully SAFER space vehicles for the space program????

 

agreed... there's tons of danger in space exploration... every astronaut damn know that every minute of their life is on the line the minute they step on the platform to board the shuttle

although it shouldn't happen, and it's sad that it happened, we shouldn't stop because of this one tragedy... advancements sometimes come with unavoidable sacrifices unfortunately... as the eons of history has shown

 

Agreed, how about a nice chunk of that fat military budget? It is amazing that an organization working for the cause of all mankind has to fight tooth and nail for what little money they do receive.

 

My condolences to the space shuttle crew's family.

 

Exactly. We can fund the massive Persian Gulf build-up, but have been denying competitive funding for science over the years.

You folks in TX have good reason to desire increased money, since NASA is headquartered there... It truly benefits your state, (as well as the US and the World) and Research/Technology is a much better and safer partner than say, Big Oil.

Those of you who feel inclined ought to write your US Representatives and express your concerns and opinions regarding the US Space Program. I saw this morning, Bush proposed $470 million increase to NASA - compare that to the estimated $200 BILLION a war would Iraq would cost. Tell me, which is a better use of taxdollars?

 

NASA HAS researched several new kinds of vehicles... but then they decide that the design isn't good / doesn't offer any more benefits than the current shuttle, and they scrap it. They've been looking for cheap reusable spacecraft for a while.

But now that this has happened () we might find some new source of inspiration for ideas...

 

Not just the state. The University of Houston (my alma mater) has a very close relationship with NASA. The best of any school, a story recently said we receive more of their research money than any other university.

I just thought it was convenient that now they announce the additional $470 million in funding, yet they claim it had already been in the budget. Just Bush playing politics with peoples lives.