[ale] OT: Space Shuttle Columbia

[Jeff Hubbs]

> I cried when I heard the news. I vividly remember Challenger, and I
> didn't expect to see the loss of a second orbiter in my lifetime - I
> really thought it'd have been replaced by something better by now,
> like Delta. Perhaps this will inspire us to revitalize our manned
> space program, and provide the funding necessary to do it right.
> Unfortunately, without some serious competition in that arena, it
> doesn't seem likely. This might actually herald the end of the US's
> manned spaceflight program.

I think your last sentiment is going to be more on the money.  I've
followed space exploration very closely since...well, since I was old
enough to follow ANYTHING, and I have maintained, as most all the
veteran astronauts will tell you, that manned spaceflight is very, very
risky and that you don't want to run that risk to do trivial things.  I
cannot help but think that the STS program crossed that boundary long,
long ago and it colors my enthusiasm for subsequent launches.



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