munger1101-8's Journal: Optional space shuttle discussion

This is just a place for you to record your thoughts on yesterday's space shuttle tragedy. Of course it won't be graded--it's completely optional. But sometimes in times like this it's good to be a member of a community.

Space Shuttle

[atticus06]

When I woke up around 9:00 yesterday morning, I was all ready realizing what was happening to the Space Shuttle Columbia. I know this will sound bad/sad too say. I realize what happened yesterday was a tragedy to the fullest degree. I feel the utmost sympathy for the victims and their families. I guess it is just really hard for me to feel the full impact because of the September 11 attacks. In my lifetime, I do not know if anything will ever compare, not simply because it may not be on the same magnitude, but because that was when innocence was lost in America for the first time in many people's lives. It's almost as if I were numb to the space shuttle crashing although I know and feel it is a tragedy.

Re:Space Shuttle

[munger1101-8]

I was a first-year college student when the first space shuttle catastrophe occurred, about this same time, 17 years ago. I still remember the numb feeling I had, watching that tragedy unfold. I hadn't had an experience like September 11th to rock my world, but I too had difficulty sympathizing with the victims--I was too busy pursuing my own goals.

Now, the second time around for me, it's hitting a little closer to home. Will space travel ever become "routine?" Or will it remain a dangerous, often tragic pursuit of brave scientists? Maybe we'll never be able to conquer space the same way we were able to conquer the seas and skies--even more so now that we have such pressing concerns here on earth.