#sts107

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.

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.