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Press Release #J03-07

February 2, 2003

Lt. Gen. Jefferson D. Howell, Jr.
Center Director
Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas

Report #J03-07

STATEMENT FROM JSC DIRECTOR, LT. GEN. JEFFERSON D. HOWELL, JR.

"Our community, the nation and the entire world was deeply wounded
yesterday by the loss of seven very brave and wonderful human beings.  
We are all greatly affected by this loss and share the pain of their 
families as they deal with this tragedy.

"We honor the memory of the STS-107 crew - Rick Husband, Willie
McCool, Mike Anderson, Laurel Clark, Kalpana Chawla, Dave Brown and
Ilan Ramon. They carried our pride and the dreams of the world into
orbit.

"While we understand the risks that are inherent in human spaceflight, 
it does not lessen the human tragedy we've experienced as we proceed 
to go through a period of grieving and healing. As we strive to 
understand the causes of this event, JSC will commit all necessary 
resources to determine the how and the why.

"Part of our healing process will be to continue our support of the
Expedition Six crew aboard the International Space Station to ensure
their continued success and safety.

We will persevere, and we will forever honor the memory of the STS-107 
crew by continuing our dedication to space exploration and research."

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