The legacy of the seven Columbia astronauts is far reaching. The agency was profoundly shaken by their loss and was moved to reinvent itself so that such a tragedy will not occur again. We understand that space exploration entails risk. We accept that risk. And we are firmly committed to facing that risk openly and squarely. We will take each and every measured step required to reduce and mitigate that risk in all possible ways to ensure that the safety of human life remains paramount.

On January 14, President Bush offered NASA an exciting new opportunity as he outlined a bold national vision for space exploration that is both compelling and long term. We are in space to stay. I can think of no greater tribute to the Columbia crew than to recognize their role in our renewed commitment to exploration. The new space exploration program will send robots and humans back to the moon, to Mars, and to the far reaches of the solar system, methodically building on the foundation built by the crews of Apollo I, Challenger, Columbia and others who have made the ultimate sacrifice in opening the space frontier.

Scott Hubbard
Center Director
NASA Ames Research Center

Visit Columbia memorial web site from the NASA History Office