Space shuttle Columbia disaster

Space shuttle Columbia broke apart in flames as it streaked over Texas toward its landing strip this morning, killing all seven astronauts, six Americans and an Israeli. Please use this area to share your feelings and condolences.
Read the story: Space shuttle Columbia break into flames over Texas, killing all seven astronauts aboard
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As an European, I feel profoundly sad by this accident. This is sad day for humankind. Those astronaunts put their lifes on risk to improved our quality of life through their experiments and research. I extend my sympathies for all the Americans and citizens of the good will around the World. God bless my beloved America.

Dirgo, Brighton

This mornings accident with the Space Shuttle was obviously tragic and my thoughts and prayers are with the crew members and their families. However, throughout the known history of man we have not stopped exploring the various frontiers due to whatever tragedy may have happened at the time. Hopefully this will be part of a learning and growth curve so that these heroic lives will not have been lost in vain.

Peter, Biddeford, ME

In a way it is both comforting and reaffirming to collectively mourn a tradgedy that did not stem from hate or bigotry (for a change). This tradgedy is isolated; our emotional response, however, cannot help but be affected by the world situation. Please let this unite us in sorrow only; let us rediscover the feeling of sadness without political overtones.

Rafael, Ithaca, NY

Unfortunately, in my mind, the tragedy of the Space Shuttle is overshadowed by the looming prospect that George W. Bush will lead the United States to war resulting in a loss of life fiar greater than that of the 7 on Columbia. I hope this is not taken as a callous attitude to these seven men and women but a concern for the consequences of a war in Iraq.

Joseph, Wayland

I just want to send my sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the lost astronauts. Here in Israel, everyone was looking forward to the mission's success, but it has become one more great tragedy in a long string of recent great tragedies. We should all remember that the astronauts died while pursuing research that was meant to increase human knowledge and improve the lives of all people. I wish us all peace, freedom, security and prosperity.

Berel Dov Lerner, Kibbutz Sheluhot, Israel

Another painful reminder of just how precious life is. In the pursuit of one's own accomplishments and in the conquest of space exploration these invididuals put everything on the line. May their family and friends find peace knowing these individuals left us doing exactly what they wanted in life. I consider each and everyone one of them hero's!

Richard , Franklin

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of the seven brave astronauts who sacraficed their lives for the pursuit of knowledge and unity. God speed to the crew of Shuttle Columbia - may you rest in peace.

Kevin, Cambridge

Such a tragic loss for the NASA program. My thoughts and prayers to the families of these seven heros that did not survive this horrific tragedy.

Lynn, Winthrop, Maine

At a time like this, my mind leads towards sending a multitude of prayers to the families and friends of these victims. May they find peace and may their loved ones always cherish the memories they had together. May the victims rest in peace. God bless!

Erica, Chelsea

On a crystal clear morning on Jan 16th, I, by chance, happen to be able to witness the ascent of the Space Shuttle Columbia from 20 or so miles away just outside of Orlando. My family and I stood around a car in a parking lot listening to the scratchy AM radio play-by-play. All of us straining to hold on to the top of the contrail as it turned into a bright star, a faint star, and finally, disappearing into the deep blue Florida sky. This was my 1st witness of a launch. As the left over contrail settled and stretched with the winds aloft slowly working to break it down, I was surprised by the depth of feeling witnessing this event evoked – Pride and hope for what the human race can accomplish when people work together. Those feelings remain. But today, it deeply saddens me to see this mission I watched begin come to such a sad end. God be with the crew and their families.

Chuck, Natick