The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns

While I was relieved that my family was safe and sound and my mischievous nature had not yet been discovered, that historic day would be etched in my memory forever. This is the day the Challenger blew up 73 seconds into its mission.

Up to that day, the great Americans to our Canadian south where king of the stars and unyielding in their conquest of space and science. Canadians were proud of our humble addition of the Canadarm, and we too felt like in some small way we were part of all the shuttle missions.

I stood and watched the continuous feed of the shuttle exploding with disbelief and shock. How could this tragedy happen to the vessel of hope for mankind? What once was a struggle of the super powers to prove their victory over space, now replaced with sorrow and grief. This disaster brought humanity back into the space program.

The years passed, and interest in space seemed to be off the minds of a world still in adjustment after the horror of 9/11, when the humanity of those who risk their lives was once again was brought to everyone’s attention. Another catastrophe we hoped would never happen again when the crew of Columbia was lost.

Now a heated debate is in progress over Discovery. Should a space walk occur to fix slippage of ceramic-fiber cloth, whose purpose is to insulate the gaps between the delicate heat tiles. These heat tiles are the only thing keeping astronauts from burning up during re-entry, and a failure of those tiles would... well... let’s not even talk about it.

Anyone who enters space knows that the difference between life and death could hinge on the smallest of mistakes. Yet these astronauts go into space despite the inherent risks. Why do they go? Because they must. Space is the final frontier and the discoveries that exist out there are endless and could have unprecedented impact on each of our lives. These astronauts put their lives on the line for their beliefs, and the betterment of all mankind.

I wish these brave soles God speed, and may angels protect them when they come home. Even if one doesn’t believe in anything religious, one sure hopes someone out there is looking out for them in a way technology cannot.

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