It’s crazy it’s been 17 years. It was and remains a tragedy and loss for America, Israel (Ilan Ramon was the first and only Israeli Astronaut), and society at large. Those chosen for flight are a rare exception, being some of the most brilliant men and women among us. They are also are either absolutely nuts or tremendously courageous.
Imaging strapping onto what is fundamentally a missile (or the shuttle a missile w/two rockets strapped on), inconceivably riding a controlled explosion to 17,000mph in a claustrophobic vehicle only to be separated by millimeters from the most inhospitable environment accessible to humans... and then then return to earth in a fireball - all in the name of science and country.
...Plus the Space Shuttle was known to have numerous significant design flaws and safety issues, including the heat tiles. Almost 20 years prior to Columbia, Atlantis nearly suffered the same fate. By chance an abnormally thick aluminum antenna mount provided just enough thermal protection to Atlantis’ worst damage and prevented the destruction Columbia experienced. (What’s also incredible this was the second mission after the Challenger. Had the Atlantis re-entry failed its interesting to think what would have happened to the Shuttle program).
Despite its flaws, the Shuttle taught NASA a lot and accomplished tasks that otherwise probably would not have been feasible. We’ve learned a lot about safety since the 70’s when the shuttle was conceived and made substantial technological advances. The reliability of modern launch vehicles is impressive. It appears we’re at a point where accidents are few and far between and the accidents that do occur do not result fatalities.
It’s exciting to see America has renewed interest in space. Barring any major issues, this year will finally have the ability to launch astronauts to the ISS, presumably considerably cheaper, without having to rely Russia and get ripped off financially in the process.
en.wikipedia.org
