(no subject)

[pat]

For the first hour or so, there was shock. Followed by a small amount of relief that Brian's friend who is an astronaut was not on board (he had gone up in Columbia last March).

And now, there is grief. Sorrow for the crew, sorrow for their families. Sorrow for all the good NASA folks (okay, I'm biased, but the people at NASA are by and large the nicest group of government employees you're likely to find) who will have to spend months -- years -- asking "what if"? For the ground crews who watched in horror as the tragedy unfolded.

And concern, what if this kills the space program? And what about the crew on board the Space Station?

I think this from geekchick is worth rereading.

Comments

[griffen.livejournal.com]

Is Brian all right? Are you all right?

*hugs you if you want hugs*

[frankenboob.livejournal.com]

It won't kill the space program. I doubt it will even make it difficult to find people willing to fly into space... for many it's worth the risk. Accidents are going to happen. Hopefully they can learn from this one & maybe get some additional funding. Maybe shuttles aren't supposed to last 20+ years... time to make some new ones.

I grieve for the families. I can only imagine their pain. Any you are correct about the NASA employees. A dear family friend is involved with the shuttle & I'm sure she could use some prayers right now.