Sam Brownback: “on January 16 the crew of STS-107 launched from Cape Canaveral, FL through the skies to space. They were sent on a…”

“on January 16 the crew of STS-107 launched from Cape Canaveral, FL through the skies to space. They were sent on a mission to further space exploration and had the work of more than 70 international scientists onboard. The Columbia crew of seven had a research mission in the space, physical, and life sciences. After a nearly flawless mission, the world witnessed their tragic death as the Columbia Space shuttle shattered above the Earth upon its return on February 1. As is well known now, this crew, doing the work of international scientists, were quite international themselves. The diverse group of human researchers spanned the globe, hailing home to the United States, India, and Israel. Each country celebrated in their own way their national heroes upon the launch of Columbia. But now, these countries join together in sharing our sorrows with each other in the aftermath of such a heartbreaking tragedy.”