Fair Winds, God Bless Columbia

By Mitch Traphagen

The economy is down, we are building up for an almost inevitable war with Iraq. Terrorism has pushed its way to the center of the world's stage. In short, times are tough.

The Space Shuttle, however, is something on the other side of that spectrum. It is a marvel of technology, of human achievement. In many ways it is uniquely American - no other country has been able to achieve its success, has been able to bridge the gap between earth and space with such precision and grace.

Yet, given that, it is a global achievement. The science performed has benefitted mankind in ways unimaginable. The knowledge gained is almost as unimaginable as the marvel of the Shuttle itself.

It is something to feel good about, to be proud of. This was not just a national achievement, it was a human achievement. It showed what we are capable of doing when we try.

It goes without saying that the people who fly and work on the Shuttle have demonstrated that they possess the special capability to continue and further this achievement. The astronauts are the best of the best.

They knew better than the rest of us the enormous risk in their search for knowledge, their trek to further advances, not just for Americans but for all of humankind. They knew that stepping aboard the Space Shuttle was not the same as stepping aboard a commercial flight to Chicago.

They knew the risks but the potential rewards were apparently so great, those risks seemed small in comparison. As each of the astronauts are being remembered not only for their accomplishments but also for their relationships with friends and family, the rewards they saw must have been very great indeed. Given their friends, spouses, children and colleagues, they each did have much to risk.

The loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia was in a way like waking up with a bad jolt from a pleasant dream. The Shuttle program was once again becoming commonplace - we had fixed the problems, we had it down now. We were wrong.

Losing the best of the best aboard Columbia has an impact on us all. Seven people on a peaceful scientific mission were lost on their journey to help you and to help me. They indeed knew the risks but we the public had forgotten them, we no longer appreciated them. Their loss is a painful reminder that despite the incredible technology and dedication by everyone in the Shuttle program, we are still pioneers just beginning our first, uncertain steps into the unknown.

Fair winds, Columbia - and God bless you all.