Space Shuttle Columbia [Archive]

Allie

01-02-2003, 10:29

i am sitting here right now watching the broadcast. i dont know what exactly to do. my entire body is shaking. when horrible events like this take part i can feel my heart break. the 7 people aboard and all there friends and family are on my mind. i went on the website and read the bios of these people. This is truly a horrible event. as a memeber of FIRST robotics this touches my heart in a different way. i remember 2 years ago at nationals watching the rocket take off. that was extremely awesome. i dont know what to think anymore. the people affected by this r in my prayers.

Madison

01-02-2003, 10:29

I'm speechless.

Dave - everyone at NASA - this must be particularly difficult for you. My thoughts are with everyone.

...so close to the anniversary of the Challenger, too. It's such a shame.

The Space Shuttle is one of the most amazing pieces of machinery I've ever seen. While it seems like the public has lost interest in the miracle of space flight, I've never ceased to be amazed. The sheer amount of cooperation that is necessary to make something like space flight possible, and even more to make it safe, is overwhelming and enviable.

I hope that the program continues. I wish something beside a disaster like this would capture the public's interest.

I'm sorry.

Frank(Aflak)

01-02-2003, 10:46

not only close to the challenger, but the Apollo fire was i think on Jan27.

I hope they continue manned space flight after this . . . .

TNT280Staff

01-02-2003, 10:53

Team 280 would like to express our deapest sympathy to those families of the seven brave souls lost in this horrible tragedy. They will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Grivooga

01-02-2003, 10:54

This is a horrible loss. I'm at a complete loss for words. I don't think I've ever been this stunned. Sept 11 was so unreal and distant in my mind it just didn't seem real. This is scary. I've seen the shuttles. I've been gifted enough to work on research projects that involved actual orbital experiements. I'm working on a project right now for the "vomit comet". Even though I wasn't making it a career goal. The dream of being an astronaut has always been there. I love robotics but the thrill of actually doing it has always excited me. This is a horrible reminder that space travel is dangerous and will probably always be so. I just hope that this loss doesn't harm our abilities to explore the stars.

WakeZero

01-02-2003, 10:55

I hate waking up to this. I pray for the families of the brave souls that were on board, and I hope my own tears can offset some of theirs :(

AllenH

01-02-2003, 11:02

I find it so sad that the urge to explore science and technology has to lead to consequences. However, I do not feel this was a fair consequence. I'm giving my prayers to the crew and families right now, and I can only hope there will be a briefing that they found safe and sound.

Scott Shaw 237

01-02-2003, 11:04

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to all of the families of the victims of the space shuttle. I woke up to this and it made to be a bad day......

adamoneDB04

01-02-2003, 11:17

I feel really terrible for NASA because not only were there 6 americans on the space shuttle but there was also 1 israel person on board. I also am really sorry for the families of the astronauts who were on board.

Joe Matt

01-02-2003, 11:17

Dave, send Team 384's condolences to the families and freinds of the crew. One of our programers came in with the horrible news today. We all said in unisin: "Oh $@#$@#$@#$@#".

sanddrag

01-02-2003, 11:19

I hope that NASA will still be able to continue support of educational robotics programs such as FIRST. We may see some heavily streamlined events next year. :(

GateRunner

01-02-2003, 11:19

Im at a loss for words...

Also, I just read that it was the first flight into space for five of the crew members.

team222badbrad

01-02-2003, 11:35

I was born the day the Challenger blew up. NOW just 4 days later and 17 years after the Challenger blew up the Columbia Blew up.

I am at loss of words.....

My thoughts and prayers
Brad

Frank(Aflak)

01-02-2003, 11:35

Originally posted by GateRunner
Im at a loss for words...

Also, I just read that it was the first flight into space for four of the crew members.

five of them. Only two had been before. But it shouldn't matter - at that point of re-entry it was under computer control. They think it went wrong during takeoff - one of the external tanks hit a wing when they dropped it, possibly damaging the heat sheilding. At the temperatures created when going 12,500 mph slight damage could have caused something to fail, and then it was just a chain reaction. My question is why did the go ahead with renentry when they knew there had been problems on takeoff . . .

Still, about the rest of it, I am still at a loss for words.

Noelle

01-02-2003, 11:41

figures, the first time had to be the last for those. its sad that our country had to have to this happen right when everything else seems to be going wrong too. one thing that was going right was the space program for quite a long time... now not evn it is

Carl Owenby

01-02-2003, 11:45

This is a very sad day for both the United States and Israel as seven brave astronauts onboard the space shuttle Columbia were lost in the pursuit of scientific progress. Our hearts go out to their families and the greater family of dedicated NASA employees who support the shuttle missions and FIRST teams across the country. Let us rededicate ourselves to making this the best FIRST competition ever, while remembering the crew of Columbia.

DanLevin247

01-02-2003, 11:49

I just got word of this terrible tragedy, and I am nearly speechless. On behalf of team 247, I would like to send our thoughts and prayers to all those touched by this tragedy. This is a time where people should be there for eachother, and team 247 would be more than willing to offer its assistance to any and all teams with ties to NASA. As for those brave souls who lost their lives today, their lives came to an end while they were doing what they loved, and they should be considered heros, who lost their lives while trying to further our nations space program. They will not be forgotten.

PsiMatt

01-02-2003, 12:40

Team 1135 would like to express its condolences to all of those who have suffered from this tragedy. I do hope that the manned space program will continue, otherwise, it would be an even greater tragedy to end the program and have their lives be spent in vain.

Jeff_Rice

01-02-2003, 12:42

My condolences to the families of the crew.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.

I wish that they would replace the space shuttles. They have outlived their usefulness. NASA needs more money so we can have a space vehicle that is modern and safe.

Congress will hopefully realize this.

Jeremy J

01-02-2003, 12:45

I, as well as all the members of Team 871 express our deepest sympathy for the family and friends of those lost in this tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia on this first day of February, 2003.

This accident touches me more than most. Ever since I was really little, like 5, I always was fascinated by space flight. My birthday was four days after the loss of the Challanger, so it hits home even more. I do hope that President Bush doesn't let this slow down space travel, but improve research for it to make it safer and better than it ever was before.

Scott Shaw 237

01-02-2003, 12:49

Originally posted by Jeff_Rice
I wish that they would replace the space shuttles. They have outlived their usefulness. NASA needs more money so we can have a space vehicle that is modern and safe.

Actually, the space shuttle is supposed to be good for 100 missions. This particular shuttle is the "oldest" with 28 I believe. So it is just over1/4 of the way through its life span. Yes they need new vehicles, but the space shuttles are still good for now.....

JJG13

01-02-2003, 12:57

Originally posted by Jeff_Rice

I wish that they would replace the space shuttles. They have outlived their usefulness. NASA needs more money so we can have a space vehicle that is modern and safe.

Congress will hopefully realize this.

No. For one thing they have amazing safety precautions and do a lot of upkeap on these shuttles. Plus they are not really that old. The average B-52 that the military uses is twice the age of these shuttles.

Jeff_Rice

01-02-2003, 12:59

Once again, my thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the crew.

It says in here it is possible there may be no more shuttle launches. Even though it is stressed as remote, I believe the shuttle needs to be replaced.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,418462,00.html

Even if they are "good" for that long though, they are old.
B-52s aren't exposed to the hazards of space travel, liftoff or reentry, and so are still viable.

Harrison

01-02-2003, 13:10

I speak for my entire team, and indeed all the Canadain teams, when I say that we feel also feel the prefound sadness of this terrible terrible tragidy.

To the men an women of the Columbia, their familes and friends: We are truly sorry for your loss.

NASA is a tremendous organization, and I am positive that it will land on its feet as it always does.

Once again, our sympathies to you.

MarkF

01-02-2003, 13:12

This was the Columbia's 27th mission. As expected, they now say that they should have retired it long ago.
Profiles:
Name: Rick D. Husband

Position: Commander

History: Husband, 45, made his second trip into space. The U.S. Air Force colonel and mechanical engineer piloted a shuttle flight in 1999, which included the first docking with the international space station.
~
Name: William C. McCool

Position: Pilot

History: The 40-year-old former test pilot made his first foray into space. The U.S. Navy commander and Naval Academy graduate was responsible for maneuvering the shuttle as part of several experiments.
~
Name: Michael P. Anderson

Position: Payload Commander

History: Anderson, 42, went into orbit once before, a 1998 shuttle flight that docked with the Russian space station Mir. The U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and physicist was responsible for the shuttle science mission.
~
Name: David M. Brown

Position: Mission Specialist

History: The U.S. Navy captain made his first flight into space. Brown, 46, an aviator and flight surgeon, was working on many experiments, including numerous biological ones.
~
Name: Kalpana Chawla

Position: Mission Specialist

History: Born in India in 1961, Chawla earned an aerospace engineering doctorate from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Chawla, who has logged more than 375 hours in space, was the prime robotic arm operator on a shuttle flight in 1997.
~
Name: Laurel Clark

Position: Mission Specialist

History: Clark, 41, a U.S. Navy commander and flight surgeon, was making her first flight into space. A medical school graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Clark was taking part in a variety of biological experiments.
~
Name: Ilan Ramon

Position: Payload Specialist

History: Ramon, 47, is the first Israeli astronaut. A colonel and former fighter pilot in the Israeli air force, he saw combat experience in the Yom Kippur War in 1973 and the Lebanon War in 1982.
~~~~~(All profiles courtesy of CNN.com)

Our thoughts, hearts, and prayers go out to all those affected by this tragic event.

I actually woke up to this at about 9:30AM. I misread my calendar and called my workplace to make sure of when I had to be there. The person who answered the phone told me I had to be there in ten minutes; as I said, I misread my calendar. He told me not to worry about it, though, since it wasn't anyone's worst problem. I asked what was going on, he said, "Turn on CNN. I'll see you later. *click*" Thus, I was pretty scared. What a horrible thing...I don't know what else to say.

By the way, why did they take the NASA channel off the air? It provided 24/7/365 space coverage, even if that only meant watching everyone work in mission control. What happened to that?

Aaron Knight

01-02-2003, 13:24

My condolences on behalf of Team 891, the recipient of one of the NASA grants from the Chesapeake Regional this year.

Aaron Knight
Webmaster, Team 891
Syracuse, NY

PsiMatt

01-02-2003, 13:29

I am overwhelmed with grief and bitterness in these times of turmoil. At this time, I am reminded of the ineptitude and willingness to compromise of the federal government in their design and construction of the shuttle. If they had spent just $5 billion more in their development, this would not have happened and Challenger would not have happened, for there would be no external tank for parts to fall from, or O-Rings in SRBs to blow up the Shuttle. Because of their want to save a measly $5 billion, out of the trillions that they spend, quality was compromised and those people died. Politics killed those people, and the greatest tragedy was that no one spoke up before now.

I sincerely hope that President Bush does not use this as an excuse to "suspend" the manned space program and devote the funds to his war chest. If he does, that would really dishonor the memory of all those who mave died in space exploration, and who have pushed for peace and greater understanding.

Team 1135 would like to express its condolences towards all those who have suffered from thie tragedy. You will all be in our prayerswould like to express its condolences to all of those who have suffered from this tragedy. I do hope that the manned space program will continue, otherwise, it would be an even greater tragedy to end the program and have their lives be spent in vain.

D.J. Fluck

01-02-2003, 13:45

Originally posted by JJG13
No. For one thing they have amazing safety precautions and do a lot of upkeap on these shuttles. Plus they are not really that old. The average B-52 that the military uses is twice the age of these shuttles.

Yes, but the average B-52 doesnt have to break escape speed every time it flies and it doesnt have to worry about extremely high temperatures trying to burn up the outer hull...

Challenger & Columbia gone...

Atlantis, Discovery, and Endeavor still here...

Maybe it is time to scrap the shuttle and bring in something new

My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and the families of the crew.

:(

FRCOps

01-02-2003, 13:48

With sympathy to the families of the astronauts for their incredible loss, and deep condolences to Dave Lavery especially and everyone at NASA. FIRST would not be close to where it is today without NASA. We owe an eternal debt of gratitude to the individuals who have created positive examples for us, and a shared loss of the seven today who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Matt Wynne
Former FIRST Director of Operations

Joe Matt

01-02-2003, 13:50

"We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for the journey and waved goodbye and 'slipped the surly bonds of earth' to 'touch the face of God.'"
- Ronald Reagan

JVN

01-02-2003, 13:58

I'd like to express the deepest condolences of myself and Team 229. We were meeting this morning when we heard the terrible news. Our hearts go out to the families of the 7 astronauts.

srjjs

01-02-2003, 14:05

A very sad event, to be sure, but discussing how it could have been prevented will not help the 7 on the shuttle.
Definitely one of the worst possible ways to start off the new year.

Anne Shade

01-02-2003, 14:08

Oh No!!!!

I just read the list of astronauts someone posted and my heart sank even further. Those of you who have been to the KSC regional may recognize one of the names on that list. Astronaut David Brown has made an appearance at the regional at least in 1999 and 2001 that I know of (he signed one of my operator badges). He loved FIRST and the opportunities it gave to young people. I really don't know what to say anymore, I'm at a loss of words.

Marc P.

01-02-2003, 15:50

Some sort of memorial should be held at the regionals, and especially at nationals, since Texas is hosting the event. If anyone knows who to contact or what to do to arrange this, email me so I can do all I can to see what can be done for the various events.

Bill Becker

01-02-2003, 16:14

I remember Challenger well and watching the footage today gave me chills and is a tragic moment for NASA and our nation. My heart goes out to everyone involved. No one should be angry or bitter though and there shouldn't be talk of not going back. NASA takes every possible precaution and has built the best possible vehicle that technology and money allow. Traveling to space and back is the most dangerous undertaking possible. But it is worthwhile and I guarantee any astronaut in the program would climb into any of the remaining shuttles and blast off tomorrow.

Amber H.

01-02-2003, 16:23

There is great honor in putting ones life on the line for the greater good of mankind.

Pardon my morbidity. I say this out of an attempt to comfort: Think for a moment about what happened to those individuals. They were literally vaporized. They will now fly forever.

If not, do you think that perhaps they have become part of the air we breathe? If so, have they not in this way become part of us all in some small way? Also, if they have become a part of us all in this way, would it not be a fitting memorial to them, to honor them by living honorably ourselves?

That would be the greatest tribute in my mind.

David Kelly

01-02-2003, 16:28

This is something that our team has charished for a long time and we will continue to charish it. Dave Brown signed our Rolls-Royce sponsor sign that we had on our robot at the 1999 NASA Kennedy Space Center Competition. I even got to talk to him at both the 1999 and 2001 competition at KSC. He was truely a gifted person.

http://www.cyberblue234.com/images/signage/DSCF0809.JPG

DanL

01-02-2003, 17:31

This event will be felt really strongly throughout the FIRST community. I say 'will' because I fear the worst has not yet come.

When the Challenger blew up in '86, it really was a national tragedy; the Cold War era was just about coming to an end and the Space program was seen as one of the ways Americans triumphed over the Soviet Union.

This time, however, I'm not too sure if it will be seen the same way. It was only a few short months ago when there was the big discussion in Congress about the future of NASA's funding. How will this event affect Congress' willingness to fund space exploration (especially when Bush wants to pretty much start WW3 at the same time)?

What about the International Space Station? I read something that said with the Russians running out of funding, the only thing that keeps astronauts up there is the US's fleet of space shuttles. With this disaster, what's going to be the fate of the ISS?

And most directly, how is this going to affect the FIRST community. Kamen constantly talks about how NASA is one of FIRST's biggest (and most important) sponsors. What happens now? I know my team, 810, wouldn't be going to Annapolis this year if it wasn't for the NASA grant we recieved. What happens next year due to this tragedy?

With everything going on in the world right now, this really was probably the worst timing for such a disaster to happen. My team was deeply concerned over this event (as I'm sure other teams have been); we kept our radio locked to nothing but news channels while we were working on the 'bot today. Back in '86, the political and social situations favored accepting the loss of Challenger and moving on. Today in '03, it seems like the political and social situations right now are kinda tilting away from strong support for NASA.

I just hope I look back at this post next year and see I was wrong about what I implied here.

Adam Y.

01-02-2003, 17:44

Pardon my morbidity. I say this out of an attempt to comfort: Think for a moment about what happened to those individuals. They were literally vaporized. They will now fly forever.
Wow whatever blew up in the space shuttle really blew up. It was really really really really really really lucky that no one died from a piece of shuttle that fell. Escpecially the way that it blew up. It would probably be like thousands of bullets falling. Pieces came really close from what I read. Ewwww I was a science bowl center and read an article about it on the internet. For a while I thought it was about the first accident until I read the date. It is the luck of the draw. It is amazing how we could get a quadruple failure of apollow 13 down but something happened that just went wrong.

Madison

01-02-2003, 17:49

Originally posted by SuperDanman

What about the International Space Station? I read something that said with the Russians running out of funding, the only thing that keeps astronauts up there is the US's fleet of space shuttles. With this disaster, what's going to be the fate of the ISS?

If I recall correctly, Russia was almost relying on Lance Bass' $20M payment to go into space aboard a Soyuz spacecraft for maintanence on its fleet.

So, maybe that's an indication of the condition of the Russian fleet? Who knows?

Firewolf

01-02-2003, 17:51

Originally posted by WakeZero
I hate waking up to this. I pray for the families of the brave souls that were on board, and I hope my own tears can offset some of theirs :(

At this point I can't even form my own words.
My sympathy goes out to every one connected with this tragedy.
I've been crying all day over this. It's simply heartbraking.

BBFIRSTCHICK

01-02-2003, 19:30

Something should definitely be done at the Regional and Nationals in memory of those lives that were lost. I am at a lost for words and I still find it hard to believe how much has happened today. Team 1077's condolences go out to the family and friends of the 7 brave souls that lost their lives today, NASA, and the rest of the country/world! May those 7 rest in peace

Clark Gilbert

01-02-2003, 19:33

This is truley a disaster that deserves to be remembered. As a huge fan of the space shuttle (you should see the pictures in my room), i was quite shocked when i got a call from DJ this morning while i was at TechnoKats. I know NASA and the government will do everything to find out exactly how this happened and fix it so it never happens again.

This is a little freaky, but when i left my house at 9am this morning i was downloading "Europe- The Final Countdown". When you actually here the words to the song it's weird.

We're leaving together,
But still it's farewell
And maybe we'll come back,
To earth, who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame
We're leaving ground
Will things ever be the same again?

It's the final countdown...

We're heading for Venus and still we stand tall
Cause maybe they've seen us and welcome us all
With so many light years to go and things to be found
I'm sure that we'll all miss her so.
:(

MRL180YTL2002

01-02-2003, 20:06

Originally posted by D.J. Fluck
Yes, but the average B-52 doesn't have to break escape speed every time it flies and it doesn't have to worry about extremely high temperatures trying to burn up the outer hull...

Maybe it is time to scrap the shuttle and bring in something new

My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and the families of the crew.

:(

The same here.....

The Space Shuttle Orbiter list for the United States is as follows....

[list=1]
Columbia (first in orbit and lost to day tragically)
Enterprise (never entered orbit, used as a test bed/hulk)
Challenger (17th anniversary was 4 days ago)
Atlantis
Discovery
Endeavor
[/list=1]

The Russian space shuttles are probably not as safe (I don't want to come off as prejudiced but its due to the nature of their economy) and long gone.

I know this maybe off topic but S.P.A.M. has talked live with Captain Dan Bursch while he was on board the ISS at the time last spring.

Also I would like to add and more importantly......

"Due to today's tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia on her 28th mission in service of her country, I have proposed in honor of her 7 astronaut crew members that we place the mission patch of Space Transportation System Flight 107 on our T-Shirts. With Warren Boudreaux's suggestion (he is also our team leader), I plan on placing two patches on on this year's robot at both the port and starboard shoulder joints. It has been a sad day for all of us who's dreams take us beyond the stars and I must say in their honor and memory we continue our quest of achieving our dreams and goals." - M. Lee

Yes, I just quoted myself (and made a few changes) but I also happened to be sending this in a e-mail to the Adult Mentors (Engineers in particular) on S.P.A.M. to inform them of this.

With My Deepest Sympathy to the families and friends of All 7 Astronauts,

Michael R. Lee
Palm City, Florida
International Baccalaureate Senior
South Fork High School
U.S. F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Competition Team 180, S.P.A.M.;
International Summit of Young Technology Leaders 2002 (YTL Summit) Network Delegate

Pat Chen

01-02-2003, 20:33

On behalf of Team 180, our condolences and prayers to the families of the seven courageous astronauts of the space shuttle Columbia. They paid the ultimate price for advancing man into space.

My heart sank when I heard the news. It brought back memories of the other fateful morning in January. My hope is that this will not deter others to follow their footsteps as the Challenger's tragedy did not stop these astronauts.

Patricia Chen
Teacher/Mentor

Nick Seidl

01-02-2003, 20:53

On behalf of Team 448, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones in the Columbia accident, especially those mentors from NASA sponsored teams that lost their colleagues in this tragedy. As FIRST members are quite possibly the future of this nation's space program, among other endeavors, I believe that by continuing the mission of FIRST, we can, in someway, pay tribute to those who lost their lives today.

On one of the other threads, someone proposed that each FIRST team could somehow incorporate the STS-107 mission patch into their robot detail, or in their team apparel. I think this idea is worth some thought.

purpledaisy

01-02-2003, 22:25

I, too, wish to offer my condolences, small comfort though they must be to those who lost their loved ones. FIRST owes a huge debt to NASA, even those who aren't directly sponsored by them. I hope that there is a memorial at all the regionals and Nationals to honor these brave astronauts. They lived what some of us dream to, and died in the advancement of science. There can be no greater tribute to their memories than that we continue to follow their footsteps and be as willing as they to give our lives. So, on behalf of Team 341, I wish to offer our condolences and heartfelt sympathy. May their families' grief be assuaged by the sharing.

stacia
team 341
wissahickon high school
ambler pa

Ryan Foley

01-02-2003, 22:25

On behalf of team 350 I would like to offer my condolences to all who are connected with this tradegy, especially the familes

Gadget470

01-02-2003, 22:57

Even though this is a very tragic incident, I think what is sadder is what is to come. Mainly the jokes. I am putting no effort into making up nor passing on jokes I may hear about the event, but I can garuntee some will arise. I hope they don't show up on these boards though and doubt they will.

A strange thing occured today, although I wasn't too surprised. Someone decided to make fun of the event saying a piece of debris landed in his yard and he was trying to sell it on ebay. To avoid legal reprecussions he stated that he can't garuntee it's an actual piece. The whole thing was basically a humorous stunt (by this I mean it was done with intent of humor, but wasn't funny) stunt to advertise a quake chatroom.

Thankfully, the good people that browse ebay destroyed the auction. Some reported it's fradulence, others bid as high as they could making the cost over $99 Million. Those two actions by many people had ebay remove the auction from bidding and others remotely like it.

It's a shame that people will be trying to profit off of this tradgedy by selling legitamte items "in memory of" the lost astronauts at exageratted prices. Why is it that people can profit off tragedy?

(If anyone cares to see an archived version of the page mentioned: http://www.jgumby.com/columbia-ebay/ )

Suneet

01-02-2003, 23:34

I'm deeply saddened by the loss of seven of humanities noblest explorers. They risk everything purely for the sake of research and exploration. All such explorers deserve a special place in all our thoughts, especially when they make the ultimate sacrifice.
Originally posted by Clark Gilbert
I know NASA and the government will do everything to find out exactly how this happened and fix it so it never happens again.
Though they are bold and able to take these risks, I think we, the American people, have a duty to lessen the risks we ask astronauts to take. We ask the risk for the greatest of causes, but to ask so much from so few seems unfair. I think the greatest show of appreciation for the heroes lost today would come from a general acknowledgment by the public of the nobility of their cause, expressed though a general push to make spaceflight safer.
The shuttle fleet is aging. Even though they are well within their designed operational lifetime, the base of technology that they are founded on is more than 20 years old. We have tried before to develop a new, full scale orbiter, designed with new technology to dramatically reduce the risk of catastrophic failure in all stages of a mission, the best example being the X-33 / VentureStar system, but tax dollars dried up when technical challenges required more funding to be resolved. We will not stop exploring, but considering this loss, it seems grossly unfair that we ask continuing generations of explorers to take the same risk, when it may be in our power to design a much safer system. The public needs to end its ambivalence, acknowledge the importance of the spirit of exploration, and zealously support the development of a new system. Only with the pressure of the public will the government be willing to fund such an endeavor. But his is not about money, it's about exploration, and science. With the tragedy now, I think we, and the general public also, realize how close those two things are to our hearts. I truly hope the public decides to appreciate this crew, and all such crews of explorers that will come.

Ken Loyd

01-02-2003, 23:41

After WWII my father went to work for NASA before it was called NASA. I was born in Hampton, Va. As a small child, I was allowed to stay up late one night to listen to Sputnik. I watched all the Mercury launches (one from the Cape.) I stared at the TV as Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon. I cried when the Challenger crashed.

My prayers go out to the families of those seven brave people as well as all of NASA. Team 64 will join the other FIRST teams in honoring the memory of STS 107.

"I used to sit in the shade of an old cedar tree. I would dream of the days and what they were holding for me. But all those should know who gaze at the ski, it is you who are wise...it is you who are wise." The Kingston Trio

Ken Loyd
Team 64

Mark Hamilton

02-02-2003, 00:02

Here is an article from 2001 that may put this in perspective.
http://www.space.com/news/shuttle_budget_010907.html
I'm proud to say it's one of our senators from Florida speaking out on the issue (Although more likely he is motivated by the many ways Florida benefits from Kennedy Space Center.)

I'm also sad to say that despite attending the KSC regionals I never got a chance to meet Dave Brown. I would really have liked to have met him. It is sad that their death will be used as ammunition against the space program. There are many people who feel the space program is a waste of time and money, and will jump on this like vultures. People who risk their lives (and lose them) for our benefit should feel safe in the knowledge that we will honor their memory by continuing their work. We owe the crew of Challenger to redouble our efforts to explore space.

Ryan Dognaux

02-02-2003, 00:30

I would also like to offer my condolenses to the crew and family and everyone regarding the Columbia STS107 Space Shuttle Mission. You'll be in my prayers.

I like this idea of doing something w/ the NASA Logo or the STS-107 Logo, I hope our team will put it on our robot.

This has been a hard day, stay strong everyone.

D@ve

02-02-2003, 00:46

Lost for words................. What can you say? What is there to say...? Same feeling came back to me i havd on 9/11 .. Is there a sign of hope of the future.? you tell me....

suck a tragedy..

mtaman02

02-02-2003, 01:32

my condolences to the seven nasa families who witnessed this horrible accident.
after 2 horrible incidents between the challenger and columbia it safe to say that old equipment should be replaced rather then just upgrading it.

Dr.Bot

02-02-2003, 09:08

Yesterday's events were tragic and terrible. Dave Brown had attended many FIRST competitions, and was an oustanding individual, everyone who gets to be an astronaut is outstanding, and the all accept the risks. I believe they all accept those risks and would rather go into space and perish, as not go. Most of you are too young to remember the Challenger first hand, but I believe that event was much more shocking to the National psyche. One effect of the Challenger disaster was to suspend the "Teacher in Space" program. Sadly, NASA had just announced the resumption of this program.

The systems to get humans into space and back again are extremely complex. The smallest fault or oversight can cause a cascading failure. This was the case in all the previous NASA accidents, and most likely was the cause of yesterday's accident.
Part of NASA mission is to educate and to inspire the next generation of explorers. I like to think about what JFK said when he started NASA, which was:

We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win...."

Aaron Lussier

02-02-2003, 09:49

Team 151 send condolences to the friends and families of the seven astronauts, This is quite the Tragic Event for all of us. This may sound like all the other posts, but honsestly I cant think of anything else to say...God Bless All

Brian48216

02-02-2003, 19:05

Originally posted by M. Krass
If I recall correctly, Russia was almost relying on Lance Bass' $20M payment to go into space aboard a Soyuz spacecraft for maintanence on its fleet.

So, maybe that's an indication of the condition of the Russian fleet? Who knows?

The Russians are known for their ability to do a lot with very little.
Their Soyuz Capsule is just as reliable as the space shuttle. It may be a bit dated, but it's tried and true.

MRL180YTL2002

02-02-2003, 20:20

Originally posted by Brian48216
The Russians are known for their ability to do a lot with very little.
Their Soyuz Capsule is just as reliable as the space shuttle. It may be a bit dated, but it's tried and true.

They also have managed to produce component for the ISS and have kept MIR in orbit for the longest time too.

srjjs

02-02-2003, 21:49

http://forums.delphiforums.com/EviLOnes/messages?msg=2592.1

If you read the first few entries, you will see that this is not a hoax.

BBFIRSTCHICK

02-02-2003, 22:06

wow....that is really really weird.!!!

Scott Shaw 237

02-02-2003, 22:14

That is really weird. Who would have thought..........

LBK Rules

03-02-2003, 12:10

:ahh:

Weired.

Joe Matt

03-02-2003, 12:36

Want to know something wierd, the Space Shuttle exploded with the first Isreali over Palestine, Texas. :yikes:

LBK Rules

03-02-2003, 12:40

Originally posted by JosephM
Want to know something wierd, the Space Shuttle exploded with the first Isreali over Palestine, Texas. :yikes:

:ahh: :ahh:

More Weird.

BBFIRSTCHICK

03-02-2003, 22:01

Then you look back to the Challenger and it exploded with the first teacher.

MRL180YTL2002

03-02-2003, 22:03

And the first astronauts we lost was the crew of Apollo I, the first manned mission to the moon, during a test there was a fire in the command module that killed them all.

Yan Wang

03-02-2003, 22:10

I feel very sorry for those people and their families that were affected...

... but otherwise, move on! Just because the space program spends billions of dollars and this is widely televised doesn't mark it so important that it's worthy of so much discussion. All we can do is feel sorry and speculate what happened. More than 7 people die everyday of accidents but there's nothing like live CNN coverage for them. The reason I'm saying this is cause I got pretty tired of all the 9/11 stuff... Close to 10k people die everyday of AIDs but it's not publicized because it's looked down upon.

But yeah, sorry to the families and to the rest of people, move on. Failing once every 20 years is good on my record.

Ameya

03-02-2003, 22:53

Originally posted by monsieurcoffee
I feel very sorry for those people and their families that were affected...

... but otherwise, move on! Just because the space program spends billions of dollars and this is widely televised doesn't mark it so important that it's worthy of so much discussion. All we can do is feel sorry and speculate what happened. More than 7 people die everyday of accidents but there's nothing like live CNN coverage for them. The reason I'm saying this is cause I got pretty tired of all the 9/11 stuff... Close to 10k people die everyday of AIDs but it's not publicized because it's looked down upon.

But yeah, sorry to the families and to the rest of people, move on. Failing once every 20 years is good on my record.

That is a ridiculous argument. Sure, millions of people in the world die each day, and tens of thousands of them die of A.I.D.S., but their deaths are not especially newsworthy when compared to a disaster in a manned spaceflight. The first deaths of astronauts during re-entry in the American space program is news; the death of yet another 10k A.I.D.S. patients is not news.

FAKrogoth

03-02-2003, 23:05

Ah, but is it worthy of ALL news coverage? For two whole days? I agree with Mr. Coffee, enough is enough. Everyone knows we're investigating it, and will find the cause if we can, and there's really nothing else to be done about it. All we can do is try to figure out what happened, and continue with our space program.

And the public does NOT need to be inundated with the lack of data or the abundance of admittedly baseless speculation.

*We now return to our regularly scheduled premonitions of Doom*

Gadget470

04-02-2003, 00:14

Are they worthy of news coverage? No, they are not sensational. The media works on sensationalism, folks. I agree with monsieur

Erics626

04-02-2003, 08:43

NASA is one of our biggest contributors. My heart goes out to all the families, friends, and coworkers of the lost persons. Hopefully manned space exploration will not stop after what happened. And if it is, there is more for us robotics people. My thoughts goes out to those who were lost.

Yan Wang

04-02-2003, 11:31

Originally posted by Ameya
The first deaths of astronauts during re-entry in the American space program is news; the death of yet another 10k A.I.D.S. patients is not news.

If you can judge whose deaths are more important than others, than you are above us all. But since you can't, you're very selfish. To me, seven nasa crew members dying is just as horrible as people dying a long drawed out death due to AIDs, but I can't judge myself which is worse and which deserves constant news coverage. You should consider taking that comment out. Any person here who has friends or knows people afflicted by cancer, AIDs, or HIV will not like what you've said at all.

Sean_330

04-02-2003, 13:57

I personally think it is quite terrible that this thread designed to memorialize the heros on the Space Shuttle Columbia is turning into a fight. Most of the people in FIRST were in some way affected by this tragety and are dealing with it the best way they can. Furthermore, people telling them to move on and other stuff like that are out of line. If you feel that this disaster is not a big deal you should keep it to yourself or start a new thread about it. However, a memorial thread is no place for rude comments.

As for the the reason to why the crew is so remembered. It is probably because America and the rest of the world world likes to remember heros. After 9-11 the FDNY became another word for hero. Why? Because they showed up at a burning 110 story building and rushed up it without second thoughts because they knew the outcome would be far worse if they did not do anything. Likewise the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia were heroic because they saw the risk of going into space and decided that risk was nothing compared to the possible reward of all the knowledge they could gain to improve the human race. The selfless sacrafice for the good of their fellow man deserves and needs to be celebrated. So, therefore i think it is very rude that some people make condescending comments and tell other people to move on after less than a week after the disaster happened. I think we all should remember the Columbia in our own way without condemnation from other people.

Ameya

04-02-2003, 14:50

Originally posted by monsieurcoffee
If you can judge whose deaths are more important than others, than you are above us all. But since you can't, you're very selfish. To me, seven nasa crew members dying is just as horrible as people dying a long drawed out death due to AIDs, but I can't judge myself which is worse and which deserves constant news coverage. You should consider taking that comment out. Any person here who has friends or knows people afflicted by cancer, AIDs, or HIV will not like what you've said at all.

I never said one death was more important than another. I said one death was more newsworthy than another. Yes, A.I.D.S. victims suffer a lot more than the people who died on the shuttle. That doesn't make each death worth reporting on the front page (or at all).

Aaron

04-02-2003, 15:51

Originally posted by Ameya
I never said one death was more important than another. I said one death was more newsworthy than another. Yes, A.I.D.S. victims suffer a lot more than the people who died on the shuttle. That doesn't make each death worth reporting on the front page (or at all).

The thing that makes the Columbia so terrible is that no one expects a space shuttle to blow up on rentry. I agree that people that are passing awat more slowly should also be mourned but their death isn't such a shock.

Personally the whole thing is kind of creepy because I was watching CNN around 7 when (for the first time in a long time) the news was going to cover the launch and said everything was going well. CNN was planned to show the landing of the shuttle but got a horrible shock a few hours later.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the astronauts...

MRL180YTL2002

04-02-2003, 21:30

Can we just stop bickering...the loss of ANY human life, especially if it could be prevented, is sad enough.

But there is a point. We're so used to seeing the shuttle go up, perform its mission, and come home no problems. NASA has never had accidents upon rentry, only in outer space (Apollo 13), on the launch pad (Apollo 1), and launch (Challenger).

My condolences to the families and friends. And there are those who like me have met a member(s) of the crew who'd wish that'd you all quit arguing and making this personal. (See Here (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=129099#post129099) )

Kit Gerhart

05-02-2003, 08:31

The shuttle astronauts are, without exception, very smart people, and they know that they are taking great risk. They are engaging in a much more hazardous activity than even race car drivers. If you go on a shuttle flight, there is about one chance in 70 that you will die. For the odds to be that bad in NASCAR or IRL racing, there would have to be a fatality every other race. It is more like one fatality every 30 or 40 races.

Still, the people who go on these missions feel, rightly in my opinion, that they are doing something of benefit to the human existance. An example is that the Hubbell (sp?) telescope, the maintenance of which is possible only by use of the shuttle, has provided an abundance of knowledge of the universe that could not be obtained from earth-based telescopes.

I won't argue whether the astronauts are heros, but do feel that they are willing to knowingly put there lives at great risk, but with a purpose for which a good case can be made.

MRL180YTL2002

05-02-2003, 08:35

Originally posted by Kit Gerhart
I won't argue whether the astronauts are heros, but do feel that they are willing to knowingly put there lives at great risk, but with a purpose for which a good case can be made.

I can agree with that one.

RoboMom

24-03-2004, 08:11

Big article in our paper The Baltimore Sun this morning about how David Brown's family is donating items, such as flight helmets and signed lithographs for auction, with all proceeds going to FIRST. His brother is quoted as saying "our family collectively decided to continue David's desire to support charities he expressed admiration for while he was an astronaut. Inspiring young minds to pursue careers in science and medicine was one of his personal goals while an astronaut."

What a wonderful gesture from this amazing family.

Greg Needel

24-03-2004, 08:39

RoboMom

24-03-2004, 09:01

any idea where and when the auction will take place...?

Swann Galleries in NYC this Sat. 5 items from the David Brown estate among 330 American and Soviet memorabilia.

Should this be a new thread or you think we are ok here?

Greg Needel

24-03-2004, 09:04

i think we will be ok here.....thanks....it looks like i wont be going because of cleveland regional...so it goes

Steve Shade

24-03-2004, 09:54

Big article in our paper The Baltimore Sun .....

Here is a link to the article:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/lifestyle/bal-to.auction24mar24,0,6081406.story

Steve

Michael R. Lee

24-03-2004, 11:22

I'm not suprised by this gester, not at all. I've met David Brown at KSC Southeast Regionals when they had them (last one was in 2002, moved to UCF cause of Secuirty issues). In my opinion, he and his crew are a shining example of gracious professionalism. I remember reading in Times magazine last year about how the crew worked with the scientists' whose experiments they would be performing in orbit. They made them sometimes better, easier to perform in orbit, more accurate, etc.... Furthermore, a few of us lucky competitors got a chance to talk to him by chance when we were in the same building overhearing our coversation (which in all irony related to what would happen if all the computers and their backups fail in reentry). Very much a gracious professional.

(note: my oldID was MRL180YTL2002 which was compromised earlier this school so this is my new one - and Yes I told Brandon about it so I apologze for any misunderstandings, remarks, etc.... the person could have and did make)