WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, February 1, 2008, marks the 5th anniversary of the Space shuttle Columbia disaster. Reflecting on this tragic day, Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) and Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Member Tom Feeney (R-FL) made the following statements:
Ranking Member Hall:
“Our Nation’s space program is built on the dreams of an exploring people willing to take risks. I am extremely proud of our nation’s explorers – those who have the courage to risk their lives in pursuit of knowledge and progress. I will never forget the crew of Columbia, some of whom were very close friends, who five years ago today made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Today, it is fair to say that our nation’s space agency has seen times of great success along with times of tragedy, and difficult decisions. NASA is a source of inspiration to the American people, who through good times and bad, have had their eyes glued to the television screen, witnessing history being made right before their eyes. We must always remember those brave men and women as we look forward to what the future may hold.
“In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Columbia Accident Investigation Board observed, The U.S. civilian space effort has moved forward for more than thirty years without a guiding vision. This was a failure of leadership that was corrected on January 14th, 2004, when President Bush outlined his ambitious Vision for Space Exploration, which Congress ratified in the NASA Authorization Act of 2005.
“As a result, NASA now has clear direction to retire the aging space shuttle and develop a new generation of safer spacecraft to be the centerpiece of our human spaceflight programs. I am proud that we are honoring the lives and spirit of the brave astronauts by helping to ensure that the United States retains its preeminence in human spaceflight capabilities. This is still a fragile mission for our men and women, and we need to work to keep them as safe as possible, which is why I’m pleased that the Orion spacecraft is being designed with a robust crew escape system.”
Ranking Member Feeney:
“Columbia’s crew made remarkable use of their gifts. To borrow thoughts from the late Christopher Lasch, these astronauts belonged to a band of people who achieve selflessness by dedicating themselves to a tremendous challenge, mastering arduous, risky pursuits, meeting impersonal standards, and struggling towards an ideal of perfection.
“America has honored their sacrifice by returning the Shuttle to regular flight and continuing construction of the International Space Station. We have also dedicated this country to developing a new generation of human spaceflight vehicles that will extend human exploration beyond earth orbit.
“Let’s stay that course so February 1, 2003 will be remembered not only as a tragedy but also as the beginning of a new era in America’s heritage as a spacefaring people.”
