In response to the tragic destruction of the Columbia space
shuttle, the UCLA Astrobiology Society will host a memorial for the
crew today at 5 p.m. in Schoenberg Quad.
The event, co-sponsored by Bruins for Israel and Jewish Student
Union, will feature two speakers, two songs about the Challenger
tragedy and a 2-foot cast memorial stone in which students can
engrave and embed meaningful objects.
Jason Finley, co-founder and student advisor to the Astrobiology
Society, a NASA-sponsored group that discusses astrobiological
issues from life on earth to the rest of the universe, said the
Columbia’s crash was tragic for more than just the loss of
human life.
“This tragedy also represents a blow to something greater
““ progress in the endeavor for more knowledge about the
universe,” he said.
Finley said he believes space travel, specifically manned
missions, is crucial for finding microbial life outside of earth,
which would change our understanding of human life scientifically,
psychologically and theologically.
Finley expects the Columbia tragedy to be similar to the
Challenger’s crash in its aftermath, which made many question
the importance of space travel.
“The fear prevalent is a major step back to our
exploration of the universe, which has potential to be the most
important scientific discovery ever.”
Dan Fingal, the Astrobiology Society’s co-president, said
he hopes the memorial will not only honor the sacrifices of the
astronauts, but also highlight where the space program will go
next.
“Few people knew about the launch of the Columbia,”
he said. “We need to get started in space to fulfill our
long-range goal of settling humans in other places, which starts
with programs like these.”
Tad Baley, a visiting scholar to UCLA from the Burkle Center for
International Relations, is a political scientist who will be
speaking at tomorrow’s event.
Baley said the Columbia tragedy was a blow and a setback.
“But it is the price we have to pay for space exploration
““ it is inevitable that casualties will take place,” he
said.
“Space travel is integral to the destiny of humanity, as
it will bring immortality to the human race.”
Baley said the ultimate goal of space travel is to colonize
other planets, which would make humans impervious to any
catastrophe, even the possibility of destroying themselves.
“The real cause they were risking their lives for is human
unity,” he said. “Exploration of the cosmos will be
done by humans as a united species and not just a specific
country’s space program.”
Co-sponsors Bruins for Israel will be providing pictures of the
seven astronauts and a condolence book to be sent to the families
of the victims. They were featured in Thursday and Friday’s
memorial on Meyerhoff park, co-sponsored by the Indian Student
Union, Bruin Republicans and Hillel at UCLA.