#sts107

[rickhusband]

Although this week is always a sad one as we remember the sacrifices of the fallen astronauts, here’s a happy picture of the STS-107 crew celebrating their upcoming mission. I always prefer to celebrate the astronauts’ lives and their accomplishments while they were alive, instead of focusing on the tragedy of the day. I think many in the space community feel the same way.

[rickhusband]

It bothers me that there fewer people who remember Columbia.

Everyone remembers Challenger. It was much more publicized what with having the first school teacher in space, which means it was broadcast in schools all over America and of course this means everyone remembers it. But STS-107 was, to the average person, just another space shuttle going up. Just another mission. Most people I have talked to remember Challenger, but they do not remember Columbia, despite it happening more recently.

I talk about Columbia and her final crew as often as I have the chance to, to anyone who wants to listen. I tell them why it wasn’t just a “routine” mission and how no mission is routine; there is always risk involved. I tell them about how tragedy paved the way for more safety in space.

And I ask them not to forget.

[rickhusband]

I know Michael Anderson is a fairly common name, but seeing a credit card charge come through at work from a Michael Anderson in Texas still feels weirdly unsettling.

[rickhusband]

If I were really ambitious, I would have loved to make a post every day from January 16 to February 1 with a highlight from each day of STS-107's mission. But alas, I did not think that far ahead (I am having trouble just keeping up with the crew bdays as it is). Maybe next year. ❤️

[rickhusband]

I can never say enough about Rick Husband. He was a man of excellent character, who stayed true to his convictions and faith no matter the circumstance, and who always put his family first even when he landed his dream job of becoming an astronaut. He was witty, had a great sense of humor and optimism, and knew how to lift the spirits of others. And his most favorite movie was Young Frankenstein, which he could quote word-for-word.

He loved his crew so much. It was so evident in the way he interacted with them even from what little we are able to see from footage left behind. Each one of them brought something so unique to the mission, and Rick recognized that and helped them become not just a tight-knit crew, but a family. They were family.

Happy Birthday, Rick. You’ll always be my hero.

[rickhusband]

Keep flying high, Ilan. We miss you down here.

[rickhusband]

Rick in the commander’s chair on Columbia’s flight deck - where he was always meant to be. :’)

[rickhusband]

Happy Birthday to Israeli Air Force Colonel and first Israeli astronaut, Ilan Ramon.