Space exploration is a dangerous business with courageous astronauts who understand the risks of attempting to conquer the last frontier. After liftoff, the launch support staff and crew remain tense for eight and one-half minutes until the big external tank is jettisoned and the shuttle is in orbit. The tension is palpable. Nevertheless, NASA had gone for a period of 17 years and four days without an accident until the tragic Columbia disaster on February 1, 2003.

The Columbia Accident Investigation Board has issued a thorough report about what caused the Columbia accident, how it may have been prevented, and what steps can be taken to prevent future accidents. NASA, and its contractors, will follow these recommendations and, consequently, future space travel will be safer, although not risk free.

The purpose of an investigation board is not, and should not be, to identify the strengths of an organization. However, we should remember these qualities at a time that there is a natural tendency to "pile on." One of the great risks of the Columbia tragedy and the subsequent report and commentary is that outstanding scientists and engineers may feel so criticized and unappreciated that they will leave NASA and the space program for higher paying and often less stressful jobs in the private sector.

The men and women who comprise NASA’s engineering, technical and management teams are dedicated people who have chosen a career in NASA because of the intrinsic rewards of conquering space. Their financial compensation is limited, their accomplishments are quietly noted, and their errors are widely publicized.

None of these people would have knowingly taken any action, nor would they have neglected to perform any duties, that they believed would have endangered the mission or the astronauts. The Columbia astronauts were their friends and colleagues, and some of the NASA managers are former astronauts. The outstanding safety record that NASA has compiled over the years is enviable, commendable and a tribute to the men and women at NASA who consider the safety of the astronauts to be their number one priority.

Immediately following the accident, NASA initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine what went wrong and how to correct the problems. There was no cover-up or stonewalling or attempt to conceal the problems. NASA should be commended for confronting its problems and correcting them before there is any plan to return to flight. Mistakes may have been made, but anyone who has worked at a NASA center knows that safety stands alone as the major concern of the entire agency.

The world was in awe of NASA when it successfully landed men on the moon and brought them back safely to planet Earth. We will continue to be proud of the future success of NASA in space and on other planets. It has a reputation as one of the federal government’s most respected and best run organizations. It earned this reputation and it shouldn’t be forgotten because of one terrible accident on February 1, 2003.

The Astronauts Memorial Foundation’s mission is to honor those astronauts who have sacrificed their lives for the American Space Program. On October 28^th, we are scheduled to unveil the names of the Columbia astronauts on the National Space Mirror Memorial and unveil a biographical wall in their honor. We hope and pray that in our lifetimes we will not have to repeat this ceremony. We have faith in NASA that it will do everything possible to prevent another tragedy while attempting to overcome the obstacles inherent in travels to space.