I don't expect the consequences of this loss to be as severe as it was after Challenger, unless something emerges during the investigation that would warrant grounding the fleet for a long time to fix a design flaw. That's unlikely at this late stage in the history of the Shuttle.

The tragedy of Challenger was heightened and dramatized by the presence of Christa McAullife on board. Schoolkids around the country watched the launch and witnessed the explosion, and this seared the images all the deeper into our memories.

Enough time has passed since then for Shuttle missions to subside into "routine" in the public's mind. We space enthusiasts bemoan that fact, but now, perversely, that may help protect the space program.

I have this vision in the post-Challenger era of astronauts pausing on the pad on their way to board their Shuttle, remembering Challenger, seeing the forked contrail...and continuing forward fully mindful of the risks.

We have some practice now overcoming a setback like this. Challenger didn't make it easier, but it showed us the path out of the darkness.

--Robert