The following resolution was adopted by the board of GoobNet Enterprises, Inc [which doesn't actually exist however] after the loss of the Space Shuttle orbiter Columbia and her crew of seven on SAT 01 FEB 2003.

WHEREAS the astronauts of STS-107, who lifted off on THU 16 JAN 2003 and were to have landed on SAT 01 FEB 2003, showed extraordinary dedication and strength over the course of their mission;

WHEREAS the historic orbiter Columbia had her life cut short by a physical failure the nature of which is not yet known, offering a heroic yet unsuccessful attempt to return her crew safely for a 28th time;

WHEREAS the data and samples being returned from the 80 experiments on board would have presented a wealth of new information that would not only have improved life on Earth but could also have accelerated the progress of humans to other worlds;

WHEREAS the crewmembers' families have powerfully urged the continuation of spaceflight "for the benefit of our children and yours";

WHEREAS the mission presented a vivid example of the peaceful partnership of nations by joining together astronauts born in three different countries;

WHEREAS the seven astronauts expressed their wishes for a peaceful future by including in their mission patch a representation of the constellation of Columba the Dove; and

WHEREAS an immense debt of gratitude is owed by humanity to STS-107 Commander Rick Husband; Pilot William McCool; Mission Specialists Dave Brown, Kalpana Chawla, and Laurel Clark; Payload Commander Mike Anderson; and Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon for giving their lives in hopes of a better understanding of physical and biological processes in microgravity;

Be it

RESOLVED that humanity shall honour and maintain the legacy of Columbia by achieving the following items:

• Return the Space Shuttle fleet to active duty as soon as possible after discovering and resolving the problems that led to Columbia's loss
• Develop a way to deliver humans into space more safely, more cheaply, and more frequently than the Space Shuttle
• Reduce the cost of a week in space by a factor of 100
• Continue the construction of the International Space Station
• Complete development of the crew return vehicle needed to expand ISS crews to seven
• Increase the quantity and quality of the scientific experiments, probes, and spacecraft needed to extend the benefits of space travel to all humans
• Establish at least one permanent settlement on or below the surface of another world
• Engage the nations and people of Earth in cooperative ventures and constructive, not destructive, competition

REAFFIRMED our commitment to space this eighth day of February 2003.