Aero-Note: Every time I
read this e-mail from Laurel Clark, sent just days before she
ascended to heights unimaginable, my eyes mist over and there
is pain in my chest...
But I must offer this amazing missive once again, a year after
the tragedy that robbed young Iain Clark of his beloved Mother
because, "She knew the journey was more important than the
destination."
God Bless Her and all those aboard Columbia...--Jim Campbell,
ANN E-I-C
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