After The Columbia Tragedy

WASHINGTON After The Columbia Tragedy by John W. Douglass (NAPSA)—One question quickly answered following Space Shuttle Columbia’s loss was whether the U.S. would continue a robust space program. Only hours after the spacecraft disintegrated, NASA administra- tor Sean O’Keefe, and later President Bush, told the world of this nation’s commitment to the space program. Unfortunately, it often takes a horrible event to turn thecritical ey national eye to deserving issues ;| simmering below the _ surface. Human space flight will now “receive—and advance—under such scrutiny. Douglass The space program has become an inseparable part of America. How wesee ourselves. How the world sees us. That’s why going forward was neverin doubt. From the space program comes leaps in knowledge, plus a national sense of accomplishment, identity and adventure. 1 WE Yes, adventure requires mag- nificent machines. We already have brave souls eager to fly again. Wewill give them the best machines the world has ever known. And the world will again watch in awe. As President Bushsaid, “It is a desire written in the human heart.” John W. Douglass is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aerospace Industries Association.