National Tragedy

[Yadeda]

HOUSTON, Texas (CNN) -- The seven astronauts aboard Columbia were killed today when the space shuttle shattered about 38 miles over east Texas as it was heading toward Kennedy Space Center in Florida to land.



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NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe, in a news conference Saturday afternoon, said there was "no indication that the mishap was caused by anything or anyone on the ground."

Shuttle Commander Rick D. Husband, Pilot William C. McCool, Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson, Mission Specialists David M. Brown, Kalpana Chawla and Laurel Clark and Israel's first astronaut, Ilan Ramon, were killed.

O'Keefe said that NASA officials had been waiting eagerly for the shuttle to land because "we couldn't wait to congratulate them" for their extraordinary performance.

"The loss of this valiant crew is something we will never be able to get over," he said.

http://i.cnn.net/cnn/2003/TECH/space/02/01/shuttle.columbia/vert.breakup.photosseq.jpg

:(:usa::(

[Kalthanan]

I remember very clearly when the Challenger exploded shortly after liftoff in 1986.

It's depressing to see something that embodies the spirit of exploration and research take a blow like this.

[FeriosNoncedo]

I was watching the 1986 take-off live at school when it blew up and the teacher ran to turn off the television. None of these are the first tragedies of their kind, nor the last, but it sucks each and every time.

[Aluinie]

I feel so sorry for the family's of those astranauts it is always a huge tragedy when something like this happens

[katyannaK8]

Its a horrible thing to watch on our televisions and to think about in our minds, but this is life. I found it very hard because i live hour from the kennedy space center and was waiting on the landing. With that said i want to share a poem that i wrote when September 11 happened... it always makes me smile a little bit when i read over it :cry:

" Are they really gone
is it such a loss
now that we have so many angels
watching over us.
Who could ever take away
a connection thats so strong,
you dont even have to worry
they are right where they belong.
Arent they happy up there,
just the way God had planned?
But that dosent mean you have to let go
in fact hold on if you can.
They tried to break america,
and yes the tears did flow,
but as for killing this nations heart
they werent even close.
This might have taught some people,
the world is not okay.
And others not to take advantage
and live life everyday.
And this tradegy brought weakness,
and also so much pain.
But think of all the heavens ,
so many angels gain.
Its not about what you have lost,
or about what you might lose,
because hey who knows, maybe now
theres someone watching over you."

-Kate