We astronauts of the Association of Space Explorers mourn for the crew of STS 107 and extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the seven brave souls who so selflessly dedicated their lives to the cause of scientific and human discovery.

The river of our sorrow runs deep and wide, yet we remain undaunted by the task that lies before us. We join the families of the crew in asking that the nation honor the legacy of our fallen colleagues by charting a course that will take us safely back to orbit and ultimately, beyond. To do otherwise would be an abdication of our responsibility to those explorers who must, and will, fulfill our destiny in space.

Space exploration is an inherently risky endeavor and we ask that the nation and the world remember that these risks are willingly accepted by those who make the journey on behalf of all humanity. The sacrifices made by our fellow astronauts were in the service of science and expanding the horizons of human knowledge; these activities are undertaken by a small number of people from only a few nations, but they are to the ultimate benefit of all people here on planet Earth.

We are humbled and comforted by the support of our friends and colleagues from all around the world and we are renewed in our commitment to continuing along the path of exploration and discovery. We shall never forget the sacrifices made by the explorers who have gone before us, and we shall persevere for the benefit of the generations who follow.

Association of Space Explorers-USA
1150 Gemini Ave.
Houston, TX 77058
281 280 8172
281 280 8173 (fax)
888 633 1708 (toll free)
www.space-explorers.org