Interview
4 February 2003, 2:49 PM

Finding the Spirit
4 February 2003, 2:47 PM

It's been an emotionally draining few days, watching about Columbia and people's grief, remembering Challenger, feeling angry with those who would deem it all a waste...

And I got to thinking today, while I noticed more and more news about Kalpana Chawla and Ilan Ramon, that the U.S. could learn something from both Israel and India's responses.

Both individuals were the first astronauts to represent their respective homelands. (Chawla was the first astronaut for India. In 1984 Rakesh Sharma was that country's first cosmonaut. One man, one woman, one astronaut, one cosmonaut, India had one of each.) And both countries responding with enthusiasm and joy.

Their endeavors didn't just spur national pride, but learning about earth as a planet, the solar system, astronomy and science in general. Out of each nation came a sense of excitement, awe and optimism despite turmoil and strife in the middle-east and crushing poverty in many parts of India.

Even in their grief, both countries affirm that not only must exploration go on, but that the drive, determination and sense of dedication necessary to do so must go on. Particularly for Israel, which pinned hopes of a boost in morale on Ramon's venture into space, this is poignant. Neither country is deterred, even in the face of overwhelming difficulties. "Ad astra per ardua" - To the stars through hardship. Both Israel and India seem to know what that means.

I hope that we, the U.S., can find that same sense that "the show must go on" in terms of commitment to hard-to-reach goals, drive, determination, bravery and excitement at facing the unknown. I know that I and many of my close friends stand firm in that resolve. I'm recommiting myself to my support for space exploration.