E-I-C Note: STS-107 Crewperson Laurel Clark was
obviously having a GREAT time aboard Columbia. This e-mail home,
released publicly on Monday, says it all. What an amazing lady...
and how poorer we all are for not having such a person amongst us
anymore.
God Bless Her and all those aboard Columbia...
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 who 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 life 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 nonexistent.
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