Remembering the Columbia

Five years on, family and friends will continue to remember their loved ones whose lives were lost in the Columbia five years ago today. The seven astronauts who died serving their country are: Rick Husband (commander), Willie McCool (pilot), Michael P. Anderson, Laurel B. Clark, David M. Brown, Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon, and Kalpana Chawla.

This disaster which Standing My Ground is commemorating saw the disintegration of the space shuttle during its re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. Just as its 28th mission (STS-107) was about to be completed.

The sacrifice of the crew must not and should never be forgotten. The courage, dedication and determination of the seven astronauts are remarkable. While we might not all be able to go to space, we should at least follow their footsteps in the conduct of our daily lives.

In October 2007, Malaysians saw, for the very first time, a fellow citizen entering space. Whether you’re singing the songs of praise or crying out criticism, no one can deny the fact that Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al-Masrie bin Sheikh Mustapha was sent to the International Space Station on October 10th, 2007.

Besides being space programs, what does the Columbia and Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar have in common? This was inspired by a Proton commercial (I think) on the tube. They showed us that nothing is impossible when we set our sights into it. When we explore the unknown, we should not be disheartened by our failures and losses. Because by giving up, we dishonor the sacrifice made by those who dedicated their life, and ended up paying with it, for the good of all. Surrendering to this defeat shows how much we ignore the contributions of those before and with us.

Remembering the Columbia. Remembering the sacrifice of its crew. Having in mind the future, the possibilities and the unknown, Humankind must push on…

In Memory of the Columbia (February 1, 2003)