In a brief appearance before reporters February 3, Secretary of State Colin Powell expressed his sadness at the loss of the seven astronauts on board the space shuttle Columbia. The spacecraft was destroyed as it reentered Earth's atmosphere on February 1 in an accident still under investigation.

Powell also voiced his pride in the courage of the astronauts and the nation's ongoing commitment to the space program.

February 3, 2003

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, could you speak, please, to the Columbia tragedy?

SECRETARY POWELL: On behalf of all of my colleagues in the State Department, I would like to express our deep sadness about what happened on Saturday with the Columbia.

I was at home watching it just like most Americans on Saturday morning. I relived every moment that every other American who watched the film footage and all the while I was thinking about the families and my heart goes out to the families of those who were lost; and also pride that we have people not only in our nation, but in other nations who would take such chances in the cause of peace and in the cause furthering mankind's quest for knowledge.

And as you have heard, we will continue to go forward with our programs. And just to look at the picture of all those astronauts reminds you once again of the great diversity of this world and the great diversity of the United States.

Thank you.