While we all join with the families of the seven astronauts in mourning the lost lives in the Columbia Shuttle disaster, one cannot help but wonder why and if the tragedy might have been far worse. Space exploration is a hazardous adventure and may be worthwhile – but the militarisation of space presents dangers not worth the encounter.
Neil MacKay of Scotland’s Sunday Herald reports: “As Bush spoke to the families of the astronauts, Bill Readdy, Nasa's associate administrator for space flight, tried to express the loss to America and the space agency. 'Flying is a risky endeavour,' he said. 'After 113 flights people see space travel as routine, but it's not. We'll find the cause, fix it and move on. We can't allow their sacrifice to be in vain.'"
Neil MacKay of Scotland’s Sunday Herald reports: “As Bush spoke to the families of the astronauts, Bill Readdy, Nasa's associate administrator for space flight, tried to express the loss to America and the space agency. 'Flying is a risky endeavour,' he said. 'After 113 flights people see space travel as routine, but it's not. We'll find the cause, fix it and move on. We can't allow their sacrifice to be in vain.'"
There have been questions about funding and safety procedures at NASA in the past two years, but this tragedy may serve to remind us all of our humility when confronted with the vastness of of the Universe.
Here follow statements from the Institute for Public Accuracy and the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space, plus links to in-depth coverage and statements from the United Nations.
Photo of the break up of the Columbia Shuttle over Palestine, Texas, courtesy of the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space:
http://www.space4peace.org
Here follow statements from the Institute for Public Accuracy and the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space, plus links to in-depth coverage and statements from the United Nations.
Photo of the break up of the Columbia Shuttle over Palestine, Texas, courtesy of the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space:
http://www.space4peace.org