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
in the tragedy of February
1, 2003.
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
whom 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.''
What
we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world
remains and is immortal.
|
Tim
|