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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My thoughts are with the children of these astronauts. They have made the ultimate sacrifice for mankind, their parents. So young, so innocent, and now made to cope with grief and unimaginable sadness. I know that they will hold pride in what their parents have done because I can only hope that when and if I perish before my time, my son would look up to me the way these children see their parents.

Terri, Salem

Over the past week, many, many more than just these seven brave astronauts died while simply going about their lives. Across the country in towns large and small, firefighters walked into burning buildings, never to see the outside again. Halfway around the world in Afghanistan, American soldiers died in a helicopter crash. Ordinary people lost heroic battles with disease, or died sensless violent deaths. In Maine, our own corner of the world, last September, 14 loggers died when their van ran off the road into the water. Like the astronauts, they died while simply going about a job they had chosen and trained for, knowing that the work was arduous and dangerous. While I do not mean my words to take away even one little bit from our show of support for the families of those heroes who died aboard the shuttle yesterday, I do hope we make neither more nor less of this tragedy than it is. And I hope that, all alone and quietly, without the help of the media attention, each of us can manage to muster the same support for that neighbor whose spouse has just died of cancer, or that co-worker whose son or daughter is a war casualty, or anybody else suffering loss, as we are doing for this very public and visible tragedy. All death is tragic; as humans we are at our very best when we care for each other in times of loss.

Chris, Boston

What is shocking is the cavlier attitude during every single one of these missions. Even after Challenger, spectators and even some of the astronauts themselves treat these flights as if they were a thrill ride at Disney World. These missions are extreemly hazardous in countless ways. It is miraculous that we haven't lost more fine men and women. It is naive to believe we won't lose many more as time goes on.

David, Dedham

I feel sorrow for the U.S. today, for losing bright brave people, but just as much so for India and Israel, to whom these people were dear heroes. Especially Israel, who has had little else but bad news for the past few years, owing to the tensions in the Middle East. Here was something they could be proud of and look to as a bright spot in national news, and it has turned to tragedy. I hope that NASA can learn much from this and further improve their program, so that some benefit may come of this.

Julia, Boston

You are given one moment.
You live in one moment.
You die in one moment.
It has been said,
That yesterday is past,
That tomorrow doesn't exist,
That "Dying is What the Living Do."
Accept one moment.
Regret no moment.
You are given one moment...
May God keep those you have left behind close to His Heart!

John, East Boston

Having worked with NASA subcontractors who collectively dedicate daily efforts to ensure "zero tolerance for error", it is with great sadness that we must witness such loss". The sacrifice that families make in support of their loved ones who accept this great challenge is equally courageous to those brave individuals who venture into the unknown. Personally, I have worked with a person who has lost her husband to the space program. Such loss unmistakenly leaves an imprint upon one's soul. God bless the men and women who gave their lives in support of mankind's efforts to explore on behalf of our best interests. All of us have lost something in this tragedy but the will and the hope to explore for answers to a better tomorrow lives on in their memory.

Bill, Houston

After observing the picture at the top of the page on Boston.com and reading the caption. I couldn't help but think: although the gesture was well intentioned, it was assumed that the body parts belonged to a person of one of the Christian faiths. An Indian and an Israeli were among those seven astronauts. Was that ever considered? Probably not. I wish there was some sort of universal symbol that could be used and respected by all faiths, allowing for the memorial to be inclusive of everyone instead of being exclusive to most and including only the "assumed few." We all believe in the same creator, however, our rituals and symbols differ. Maybe someday a symbol will be made that will recognize the entire brotherhood of man, and woman.

A., Ashland

With the disaster felt worldwide we must stop and remember the brave Astronauts upon Columbia, Challenger, and all who have ever traveled into a world that dreams are made of. This disaster leaves us wondering about the stability of our nations space program but I say move forward, increase NASA's budget, and find a way to more safely transport our explorers into space. There will always be a risk, but Astronauts put their lives at risk for the sake of scientific discovery.

Andrew, Marlboro College

Once again our world must suffer another grat loss. They taught us to hope, dream and look for a better future. They were coming back to give us that shining light for a brighter future and to keep our hope alive along with our dreams. May we always remember that and send our prayers and thoughts to the families of this great loss and also remember them as heroes of hope, for a better future.

Cheryl, Pepperell

It was with profound saddness that I read about this, latest tragedy to hit our space program. My heart goes out to the families and friends of the seven astronauts. They were our best and brightest, as well as Israel's best and brightest. They will be greatly missed. They gave their lives for the most noble of reasons: exploration and understanding. May they rest in peace.

Rick, Pembroke