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Monday, February 10, 2003

Astronaut Michael Anderson was one of seven astronauts who died in the terrible accident aboard the space shuttle Columbia. He knew the risks, yet he still reached for his dreams and goals. He felt the research he was doing was important and could benefit all mankind.

As a young boy growing up on an Air Force Base, Anderson developed a love for science and airplanes and dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Throughout his youth, he received encouragement from his parents. He knew he had to work hard to realize his dreams. After graduating from high school in 1977, Anderson studied physics and astronomy at the University of Washington.

After graduation in 1981, he took a commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. Anderson trained in the field of communications and computers. After four years, he went to flight school. He learned to fly the large military airliner that serves as an airborne command center and refueler. Anderson rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel, and he logged more than 3,000 hours in various aircraft.

As an accomplished pilot, Anderson knew that if he wanted to realize his dream of becoming an astronaut, he had to return to college. After earning a master's degree in physics, he applied to the astronaut corps in 1994 and was accepted.

Anderson flew in space for the first time on STS-89 in January 1998. This was the eighth shuttle-Mir docking mission. He logged more than 211 hours in space during that mission. Anderson served as payload commander on STS-107 and managed the 80-plus experiments that took place on Columbia.

Anderson and the crew of Columbia showed us we must continue to dream and pursue our goals.

-- By Dan Malerbo, Henry Buhl Jr. Planetarium & Observatory