The history of human exporation has alway had its heros, and it's risks. Those who have chosen to push back the frontier into space, know the risks. Those who perished, gave their lives doing what they loved. I have heard "The Right Stuff" described somethng like "haviing what it takes to sit on top of the world's biggest pile of fireworks while some other lunatic lights the fuse". Plainly put, but I do see the point. Extraordinary people.

If the sacrifice of the astronauts of The Appolo Fire, of Soyuz, Challenger and now Columbia is to have meaning. Man's push in to space must continue. We must press on, It's what Humans DO. To The Stars ...and never turn back! I created this image as a tribute and encouragement that the United States and the world should not turn away from the dream of manned space exploration.

— Kurt E. Griffith, February 2003