To Specialagentjim: Do you realize that the people on the Columbia were not rushing to finish the experiments before they died, they were following the mission criteria. Whether or not the Shuttle was damaged, they would have performed the same. STS-107, except for the last few minutes, was a routine science mission. If you want to celebrate NASA's achievements, pick a mission with some distinction other than morbidity.
To various people: *
THEY DIDN'T "BRAVELY SACRIFICE" THEIR LIVES!!!* The crew took the same risks as every other shuttle crew. There was no such tragedy where they were destined to die, and they worked to their last breaths trying to fulfill as much of the experiments as possible. I don't mean to say the deaths weren't "sad" or "tragic," but sh*t happens. Lament, don't mourn.
To those few who were outraged by my "minivan" correlation: How are these two events not similar? A minivan could have seven people in it. The shuttle had seven people in it. One uses the 'van to get home from work. The Columbia was used to get back from orbit to Earth. People generally aren't doing anything important on the freeway. STS-107 had already completed all the objectives. However, the Space Shuttle does cost $140 million. It was also chauffered by an inanimate object, and was flying "in the name of Science" which does not necessarily have anything to do with space flight. The only conclusion that I can draw from this is that money, and a misguided view of science as a whole, makes a death significant. If you don't believe me, think back to Princess Di.
To everyone: How is this a "blow to the entire scientific community?" Apparently, I was not aware that probability does not exist when humans are involved. Believe me, science as a whole will not curl up and die, just because seven people lost their lives. (There are a LOT more scientists out there) Did anyone think about how this might spur the development of other, cheaper, more reliable lifting devices? SSTO, baby!
To everyone (again): What is this "Due respect?" How do I get it? It seems to me like martyrdom is the easiest way.
. . .
Particularly when it's expensive.
And finally, to all people who can't think about tragedy without using their heart, which ironically is not the center of emotion, nor does it have anything to do with hormone production,, and thus won't say anything "thoughtful":
