[AZ-Observing] Fw: message from Challenger -

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Mike @ SAC


Subject: Fw: An e-mail from one of the Challenger Crew



----- Original Message ----- 

Subject: An e-mail from one of the Challenger Crew


 >Laurel Clark of Racine, Wis., was a submarine doctor with the U.S. Navy

>before joining NASA in 1996, traveling to the depths of the oceans

>before soaring above as a mission specialist helping with science

>experiments on the space shuttle Columbia. The mother of an 8-year-old

>son, she was on her first shuttle mission when Columbia disintegrated

>over Texas. The day before she died, she sent an e-mail home to family

>and friends:

>

>

>"Hello from above our magnificent planet Earth. The perspective is truly

>awe-inspiring. This is a terrific mission and we are very busy doing

>science round the clock. Just getting a moment to type e-mail is

>precious so this will be short, and distributed to many who I know and

>love.

>

>I have seen some incredible sights: lightning spreading over the

>Pacific, the Aurora Australis lighting up the entire visible horizon

>with the cityglow of Australia below, the crescent moon setting over the

>limb of the Earth, the vast plains of Africa and the dunes on Cape Horn,

>rivers breaking through tall mountain passes, the scars of humanity, the

>continuous line of life extending from North America, through Central

>America and into South America, a crescent moon setting over the limb of

>our blue planet. Mount Fuji looks like a small bump from up here, but it

>does stand out as a very distinct landmark.

>

>Magically, the very first day we flew over Lake Michigan and I saw Wind

>Point (Wis.) clearly. Haven't been so lucky since. Every orbit we go

>over a slightly different part of the Earth. Of course, much of the time

>I'm working back in Spacehab and don't see any of it. Whenever I do get

>to look out, it is glorious. Even the stars have a special brightness.

>

>I have seen my 'friend' Orion several times. Taking photos of the earth

>is a real challenge, but a steep learning curve. I think I have finally

>gotten some beautiful shots the last 2 days. Keeping my fingers crossed

>that they're in sharp focus.

>

>My near vision has gotten a little worse up here so you may have seen

>pics/video of me wearing glasses. I feel blessed to be here representing

>our country and carrying out the research of scientists around the

>world. All of the experiments have accomplished most of their goals

>despite the inevitable hiccups that occur when such a complicated

>undertaking is undertaken. Some experiments have even done extra

>science. A few are finished and one is just getting started today.

>

>The food is great and I am feeling very comfortable in this new, totally

>different environment. It still takes a while to eat as gravity doesn't

>help pull food down your esophagus. It is also a constant challenge to

>stay adequately hydrated. Since our body fluids are shifted toward our

>heads our sense of thirst is almost non-existent.

>

>Thanks to many of you who have supported me and my adventures throughout

>the years. This was definitely one to beat all. I hope you could feel

>the positive energy that beamed to the whole planet as we glided over

>our shared planet.

>

>Love to all, Laurel."
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