February 1, 2003

The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission joins the rest of the world in mourning the loss of the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia on February 1, 2003. The seven extraordinary crewmembers of STS-107 courageously pursued their dreams of exploration for the benefit of the entire world. Along with the rest of the country, we at the Commission will keep their families in our thoughts during this time of hardship.

Exploration has always come with great risk, from the discovery of new lands to the discovery of flight and the discovery of the far reaches of our universe. The disaster that took the lives of the seven crewmembers aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia is a tragic reminder of the inherent dangers our pioneers accept as they seek to discover new frontiers for the good of mankind.

The U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission shares with the rest of the nation the certainty that these courageous men and women will continue to serve as examples of the best and brightest the world has to offer.