As I heard a report that the Space Shuttle Columbia of the U.S.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had an accident
just before its landing, I feel deep sorrow for the tragedy, and would
like to send my sincere condolences to the seven astronauts, their
families, and the United States of America. Columbia was scheduled to
land at 11:16 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2003 (Japan Standard Time).
NASDA is trying to understand the situation of this tragic accident,
and has established a cause investigation team of the Columbia accident
led by the NASDA Vice President to continue our effort to study the
situation.
