From Space, Shuttle Commander Reflects On Return To Flight

"On the evening of our first day in space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery," Discovery Commander Eileen Collins from orbit Tuesday night, "the STS-114 crew would like to send our thanks to the teams who've worked so hard over the past two and a half years to return the fleet to orbit. Our thanks go out to all the managers, the engineers, the technicians and everyone. Give yourselves a pat on the back. This is work well done."

Collins continued, "As our crew looks back at our beautiful planet and then outwards toward the unknown of space, we feel the importance, today more than any time, of space exploration to all those who are living on Earth. Our flight is the next flight of many in the human exploration of the universe."

"And finally," she concluded, "we reflect on the last shuttle mission, the great ship Columbia and her crew -- Rick, Willie, Mike, K.C., Dave, Laurel and Elan. We miss them, and we are continuing their mission. God bless them tonight, and God bless their families. Good night."

FMI: www.nasa.gov