toc
Ad
Astra
Volume 15, Number 2 March/April/May 2003
Launch
Pad
Hail Columbia
By Dan Brandenstein
The tragedy of February 1st, once
again, highlights the risks and difficultly of exploring space. I think most
people, including astronauts, think that the launch and ascent phase present
the greatest risks and it probably does when you consider the high temperatures,
pressures, rotating equipment and amount of energy imparted into the orbiter.
However, when one realizes that all the energy has to be dissipated prior to
landing, it becomes obvious that the entry phase presents significant risks
with an equally small margin for error or malfunction.
As I write this, six weeks later, the root cause of the accident is not yet
known, but there is an enormous effort to find the cause, fix it and return
to flight. I have been extremely impressed with the full range of the investigation;
the cooperation of many government agencies, the focus of the leadership and
the dedication and expertise of the many people involved. Based on the caliber
and dedication of all involved, I am confident that the root cause will be determined,
appropriate corrective actions will be taken to return to flight as soon as
possible.
The crew of Columbia, Rick, Willie, Kalpana, Laurel, Mike, Dave and Ilan, were
dedicated to the goals of space research and exploration and gave their lives
in pursuit of those goals. They had successfully accomplished all the research
objectives and I am sure were very satisfied with their accomplishments prior
to the entry tragedy. This was evident from the mood of the crew during the
early phase of the entry that we have seen on the video recovered from the wreckage.
This accident reaffirms the fact that in space exploration the margin between
success and failure is very narrow; and as has been the case so many times throughout
history, great people have paid the ultimate price in furthering the cause of
research and exploration.
Now, more than ever, is the time for the membership of NSS to step up our activity
in support of our space exploration goals. We can do this by actively participating
in the three R’s … Recruiting, Responding and ‘Riting. Recruiting
new members makes NSS a more viable voice nationally. Washington decision makers
are especially attuned to the size and visibility of organizations such as NSS.
Responding to an opportunity to be seen, heard or counted. NSS Headquarters
has a number of recent initiatives that require a response to increase our visibility
and support. I am sure many of the chapters have a wide variety of activities
that could benefit from a proactive response from NSS members. Now is a critical
time to ‘Rite any and all Washington decision makers, especially the ones
that count on your vote. I am confident that all of our members will rise to
the occasion to actively promote the NSS vision and goals.
Finally, I want you all to know what an honor it was to have been your President
for the past four years. I accepted the position for two reasons, first I truly
believe in continuing to push the boundary of human knowledge and understanding
of the universe in which we live. Secondly, during all my years in the Astronaut
office, I was amazed by the vast support of the Space Program across America,
but by the very low visibility of this support. It always seemed to me the vast
support came from the moms and dads of America that were not reactive in nature.
I hoped that my participation with NSS could draw out some of that grassroots
support for the Space Programs. Hopefully, I helped in a small way to accomplish
that. Unfortunately, my “real job” requires additional time over the
next couple years such that I didn’t feel I could adequately participate
in a leadership role. However, I am totally confident that NSS will make great
strides forward in the future. Our new Executive Director, Brian Chase, came
onboard in December running at full speed and hasn’t broken stride yet.
He has an outstanding background for the position and a wealth of great ideas
to take us forward. Additionally, the dedication and foresight of the officers,
Executive Committee and Board of Directors will direct NSS to bright future.
With every member’s active support and participation and the outstanding
leadership, I am confident that NSS will do more than takeoff (a slow gradual
climb) … it will LAUNCH (a rapid ascent to great heights) … Ad Astra!