Exactly10 years ago today on lst February 2003 Israel's first  and to date only astronaut Ilan Ramon perished together with the six other crew members of the Columbia shuttle as it re-entered the earth's atmosphere. 

They had carried out a considerable number of scientific experiments during their several days in space.  I shall never  forget watching realtime on our tv the shocking and horrific re-entry of the shuttle as it broke into several pieces and incinerated. 

It was discovered that some vital tiles had become dislodged during initial takeoff but this did not affect their days in space.  Only when the shuttle re-entered the atmosphere did this technical fault cause the tragedy.

MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE REMEMBERED AND BLESSED. 

                         Astronauts and cosmonauts or whatever anyone chooses to call them represent all the very best that humanity has to offer.   For now, regardless of the technology used or their origin, they are the trailblaizers, scouts, dreamers, and champions who forge forth into the unknown so the rest of us may follow into the safe harbors they create for us.  I doubt that we could separate politics from even this endeavor they take on for us; however, if it were possible, I would propose that these trailblazers be stripped of their nationality and origin, and instead be given world status, so that wherever they go they be uncumbered of any visas, passports, quotas, or restrictions of any sort anywhere in the world.  Borders anywhere in the world should not apply to them at all.

And for those who have offered the ultimate sacrifice for us all, may their names never be forgotten.

www.worldspaceflight.com/bios/nation_names.php

Originally Posted By ShadowWalker (16 MAR 2013 11:54am)

                         Astronauts and cosmonauts or whatever anyone chooses to call them represent all the very best that humanity has to offer.   For now, regardless of the technology used or their origin, they are the trailblaizers, scouts, dreamers, and champions who forge forth into the unknown so the rest of us may follow into the safe harbors they create for us.  I doubt that we could separate politics from even this endeavor they take on for us; however, if it were possible, I would propose that these trailblazers be stripped of their nationality and origin, and instead be given world status, so that wherever they go they be uncumbered of any visas, passports, quotas, or restrictions of any sort anywhere in the world.  Borders anywhere in the world should not apply to them at all.

 

And for those who have offered the ultimate sacrifice for us all, may their names never be forgotten.

 

www.worldspaceflight.com/bios/nation_names.php

That is an extremely nice heartfelt post Shadow Walker !!

I agree with you that the astronauts are 'the salt of the earth' or maybe 'Salt of the universe'.

)

Every single one of them is not only physically and intellectually fantastic but also wonderful human beings - they HAVE to be in order to carry out their ultra arduous tasks as a team sometimes for long periods of time without frictions with their crew mates under enormous stresses & pressures.

In addition, to be an astronaut, for all the thrill & glamour, is taking your life in your hands - quite a number have been killed through accidents., It's a dangerous business and I'm certain that each one  of these intrepid modern explorers knows that full well.

As to your most original idea of making them 'Citizens of the world'. A VERY nice suggestion - but I have doubts that it would work in practice.

MOST unfortunately human beings frequently cannot get on with one another and this generates irrational jealousies and personal hatreds - this Forum is no exception !

This leads to group antagonisms and hatreds.

on a large scale leads to national hatreds.

I imagine that several countries would not accept an American born astronaut with open arms. And I can think of too many countries who would hate to allow an Israeli born 'Citizen of the world' to even enter their jurisdiction !

And there are probably other similar examples of bigoted behaviour !