Today is NASA's Day of Rememberance

[BillTre]

Although it is unfortunate that lives have been lost in the pursuit of space exploration (17 astronauts in 3 events; Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia), exploration has continued and design corrections and improvements, such that these losses have not been entirely in vain.

Article in Discover Magazine:

Every year, NASA recognizes astronauts who lost their lives in the pursuit of spaceflight with an official Day of Remembrance. This year, it’s celebrated Feb. 7. And NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Another wreath-laying ceremony will also happen at Kennedy Space Center’s Space Mirror Memorial. Both ceremonies will also include observances for NASA’s lost explorers.

In my mind this is a tribute to anyone who has been lost in the pursuit of greater knowledge.

 

[Wrichik Basu]

Lives lost in space go into the space between spaces.

May the souls who flung themselves in pursuit of knowledge, rest in peace.

 

[Klystron]

One cold morning at Ames research center in Mountain View a message from the NASA director's office asked everyone working at the center to assemble at a central auditorium. There, after a short preamble from the director, we watched images taken at Kennedy space center Cape Canaveral that morning of a space shuttle launch that failed when the solid fuel boosters appeared to detach from the lifting body during primary acceleration burn. Time seemed to slow as we watched the loaded shuttle burn, explode and break apart.

The crews from shuttle research areas were particularly hard hit but we all felt the severe loss. That NASA had billed this flight as a major milestone with naming contests at schools, a diverse crew including a young schoolteacher, and massive media coverage, only added to the sorrow. As we trudged back to our cubicles and offices conversations were muted even as the oblivious birds disturbed by our passage flew and sang.