July 26, 2005 Mission STS-114

For what can be
when we content ourselves to day and night
And weak gravity?

Who will mourn
That we danced with Diana but a dozen times
In the time before?

Who will recall
When all have forgotten the quiet marble blue
beneath the fall?

And who will know
The darkest night split by day across the curve of sea
in the depths below?

Go then to see;
Bring back that gift which lies beyond our
short infinity

Teach us to learn,
and take heart, and fly with all God's speed
and safe return








"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, 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."

STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins