Exactly fifteen years ago today, NASA resumed space shuttle flights after the horrific Challenger disaster of 1986. Now we find ourselves in the middle of another shuttle-flight hiatus following this year's equally tragic loss of Columbia. Perhaps it's time for a few reflections regarding manned spaceflight.
This is inherently very risky and it will inevitably cost more lives. Never forget though, that in a very real sense we come from the stars. The elements of which are bodies are composed were actually forged in the hearts of long-dead stars, therefore it is only right that one day we will want to go back.
In memory of every astronaut who lost his or her life in this quest for the future.