A resolution commemorating the 20-year anniversary of the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia.

Subjects: Science, Technology, Communications, Commemorative events and holidays, Congressional tributes, Space flight and exploration, Spacecraft and satellites

Summary:  <p>This resolution commemorates the loss of the space shuttle <em><em>Columbia</em></em> (which occurred on February 1, 2003) and honors the seven astronauts who perished on the spaceflight. It also commends those who assisted in the debris recovery and accident investigation, including two helicopter pilots who lost their lives.</p>

<html><body><pre>[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 28 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

&lt;DOC&gt;






118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 28

  Commemorating the 20-year anniversary of the loss of Space Shuttle 
                               Columbia.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            February 2, 2023

   Ms. Cantwell (for herself, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Kelly, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. 
   Cornyn, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Kaine, Mrs. Murray, Mr. 
 Padilla, Mr. Warner, Mr. Durbin, and Mr. Scott of Florida) submitted 
      the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Commemorating the 20-year anniversary of the loss of Space Shuttle 
                               Columbia.

Whereas space remains at the frontier of science, as expressed in 1962 by 
        President John F. Kennedy at Rice University in Houston, Texas;
Whereas space exploration has been integral to the global technological 
        leadership of the United States and to inspiring a STEM workforce for 
        more than 60 years;
Whereas astronauts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration have 
        bravely given their lives in pursuit of exploration;
Whereas, on February 1, 2003, the United States and the global space community 
        joined together in mourning the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia and the 7 
        astronauts of the STS-107 mission, who perished on their return home;
Whereas United States Air Force Colonel Rick D. Husband, Mission Commander, of 
        Amarillo, Texas, died in service to his nation;
Whereas United States Navy Commander William ``Willie'' C. McCool, Pilot, of San 
        Diego, California, died in service to his nation;
Whereas United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael P. Anderson, Payload 
        Commander and Mission Specialist, of Spokane, Washington, died in 
        service to his nation;
Whereas United States Navy Captain David M. Brown M.D., Mission Specialist, of 
        Arlington, Virginia, died in service to his nation;
Whereas United States Navy Captain Laurel B. Clark, Mission Specialist, of 
        Racine, Wisconsin, died in service to her nation;
Whereas Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D., Mission Specialist, of Karnal, India, became a 
        United States citizen and the first woman of Indian origin in space and 
        died in service her nation;
Whereas Israeli Air Force Colonel Ilan Ramon, Payload Specialist, of Tel Aviv, 
        Israel, became the first Israeli in space and died in service to his 
        nation;
Whereas the people of the United States will not forget the sacrifice of the 
        crew of STS-107 aboard Space Shuttle Columbia, as well as others who 
        perished in the exploration of space; and
Whereas National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronauts continue to 
        make tremendous personal sacrifices and risk their lives in service to 
        their nation and to all of humanity: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) remembers and honors the 7 astronauts who lost their 
        lives on February 1, 2003, on Space Shuttle Columbia;
            (2) expresses deep condolences and gratitude to the 
        families, friends, and colleagues of--
                    (A) United States Air Force Colonel Rick D. 
                Husband;
                    (B) United States Navy Commander William ``Willie'' 
                C. McCool;
                    (C) United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel 
                Michael P. Anderson;
                    (D) United States Navy Captain David M. Brown;
                    (E) United States Navy Captain Laurel B. Clark;
                    (F) Dr. Kalpana Chawla; and
                    (G) Israeli Air Force Colonel Ilan Ramon;
            (3) commends all those who assisted in the debris recovery 
        and accident investigation process, including helicopter pilot 
        Jules ``Buzz'' F. Mier Jr. and Texas Forest Service Aviation 
        Specialist Charles G. Krenek, who both died during debris 
        search, and dedicated staff across the National Aeronautics and 
        Space Administration; and
            (4) reaffirms the commitment of the United States 
        Government to create a culture of safety and innovation within 
        all agencies and companies pursuing the exploration of space, 
        including in the pursuit of the United States' return to the 
        Moon and first visit to Mars through the Artemis missions and 
        Moon to Mars efforts.
                                 &lt;all&gt;
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