Source: NASA
The STS-107 (Columbia) crew took part in the In-Flight Maintenance training, learning more about experiments that were a part of the mission. Seated in front (left to right) are Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Israeli Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, Commander Rick D. Husband, Mission Specialist Laurel Clark, Pilot William C. "Willie" McCool; in back are Mission Specialists David M. Brown and Michael Anderson. As a research mission, STS-107 carried the SPACEHAB Double Module in its first research flight into space and a broad collection of experiments ranging from material science to life science.
Today is the official day of remembrance for the Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia tragedies. I've previously posted about Apollo and Challenger - today is the 10th anniversary of the loss of space shuttle Columbia, which perished upon reentry in 2001.
Here's an excerpt from President Barack Obama's full statement:
As we undertake the next generation of discovery, today we pause to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the journey of exploration.
Space exploration and the sacrifice these pioneers made benefits us all.
Here's an excerpt from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden's full statement:
So while the Day of Remembrance is in part a time of sadness, it is also a time of contemplation and thankfulness. It is a time to be thankful that these great men and women shared their lives with us; that they helped advance our nation and made life better on Earth; and that they are still united with us in that shared pursuit.