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78R12107 MW-D

By:  Davis of Harris                                            H.C.R. No. 200



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, Citizens of the State of Texas were shocked and 
deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the NASA space shuttle 
Columbia and her extraordinary crew when the shuttle broke up 
during reentry over the Texas sky on February 1, 2003; and
	WHEREAS, The STS-107 mission crew was composed of commander 
Rick Husband, pilot William C. McCool, payload commander Michael P. 
Anderson, mission specialist David M. Brown, mission specialist 
Kalpana Chawla, mission specialist Laurel B. Clark, and payload 
specialist Ilan Ramon; all of these remarkable individuals resided 
in Texas and were respected and admired for their bravery, courage, 
and dedication to their mission and to the exploration of space; and
	WHEREAS, Members of the Texas Legislature remain proud of the 
crew's contributions to science and engineering, international 
cooperation, human exploration, and the celebration of the human 
spirit; and
	WHEREAS, A key component of the NASA mission is "to inspire 
the next generation of explorers," and Columbia's brilliant, 
talented, and accomplished crew members will forever be remembered 
as trailblazing heroes by young people who aspire to pursue the 
noble cause of space exploration and scientific research; and
	WHEREAS, The Johnson Space Center and the Texas Legislature 
have long encouraged the students of this state to study math, 
science, and engineering through their collaborative sponsorship 
of education and technology programs designed to interest young 
people in the excitement of space exploration, and this goal has 
only been strengthened through the contributions of the crew of the 
space shuttle Columbia and those who came before them; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby recognize the numerous benefits to humankind of space flight 
and the importance of maintaining support for innovative programs 
that inspire future scientists and engineers who will continue the 
legacy of Columbia and her crew; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That the Texas House of Representatives and Senate 
hereby pay tribute to the fallen heroes of the space shuttle 
Columbia, whose memory will be forever honored and cherished, and 
extend deepest condolences to the members of their families, the 
Johnson Space Center community, and the entire NASA family.