SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 97


In Memory

of

Rick D. Husband

William C. McCool

Michael P. Anderson

David M. Brown

Kalpana Chawla

Laurel B. Clark

Ilan Ramon


	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins citizens 
across the state and nation in mourning the loss of the 
Space Shuttle Columbia and her crew on February 1, 2003; and

	WHEREAS, While the world watched, seven of its bravest 
citizens met their deaths in the shuttle's sudden disintegration, 
and words cannot express the depth of the shock and sorrow people 
around the globe now feel; and

	WHEREAS, Knowing the dangers of their mission, these 
astronauts sought to bring home to earth scientific data that 
would one day serve to further our knowledge of space and help 
to solve medical problems and other complexities faced by the 
world today; and

	WHEREAS, Liftoff for the Space Shuttle Columbia was 
January 16, 2003, and its 16-day mission was dedicated to 
research in physical, life, and space sciences; experiments 
were conducted that would shed light on the effect of dust 
on global warming, the evolution of life in the universe, 
weightlessness, cancer, and a host of other issues of worldwide 
concern; and

	WHEREAS, Columbia's crew consisted of Commander Rick D. 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; and

	WHEREAS, Exploration is a vital part of our nation's 
character, and NASA and the astronauts bring us closer to solving 
the mysteries of the universe through the exploration of space; 
although the tragedy of the Space Shuttle Columbia has shaken our 
country, our commitment to the space program is firm, and we will 
persevere to fulfill the dreams of those who died on Mission 
STS-107; and

	WHEREAS, The astronauts of the Space Shuttle Columbia 
assumed great risk in a mission on behalf of all humanity, and 
their uncommon courage and heroism will forever be remembered by


generations of Texans and by a nation that now mourns the loss of 
some of its brightest and most talented citizens; now, therefore, 
be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, hereby express its greatest admiration 
for the seven noble astronauts who lost their lives on the 
Space Shuttle Columbia and extend deepest condolences to their 
families and friends and to all the NASA community; and, be it 
further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in 
honor of the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia and that when 
the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in their memory.
                                                                         Jackson




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on February 3, 2003, by 
a rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate