SENATE HONORS COLUMBIA CREW

Senators pay tribute to Heroic lives of Columbia's Astronauts

Monday, February 3, 2003

The New York State Senate today gave unanimous passage to a resolution honoring the heroic lives of the Astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson, Mission Specialist David Brown, Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Mission Specialist Laurel Clark, Shuttle Commander Rick Husband, Shuttle Pilot William McCool and Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon made the ultimate sacrifice aboard Columbia on Saturday February 1, 2003.

"These courageous men and women were pioneers for the benefit of all humankind," said Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno. "The memory of each of the astronauts who were lost will forever remain with their families -- and their bravery will live on in the heart of every New Yorker and every American citizen."

The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it reentered the Earth's atmosphere above Texas early Saturday morning following a 16-day scientific research mission. Columbia was NASA's oldest shuttle and this mission marked its 28th flight.

"There is a certain beauty and mystery of space exploration," said Senator Bruno. "The men and women we've lost are part of our family who brought inspiration and knowledge to our world of curiosity and our prayers are with their families."

NASA has appointed an independent commission to investigate the cause of the disaster.

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