Just a thank you to Jim Stein in Atlanta and Chuck Maddox in Chicago in advance for continuing Derek’s work here. It would have meant a great deal to Derek that this site and these forums that he cared so much about would go on. And thank you to all of you who appreciated Mr. Z and his passion for elegant machinery…

Warmest regards to all of you – always.

Scott Nilsson

Subject: Hello from 150 NM above the Earrth
Sent: Friday, January 31, 2003
"Hello from above our magnificent planet Earth . . . I have seen some incredible sights: lightning spreading over the Pacific, the Aurora Australis lighting up the entire visible horizon with the cityglow of Australia below, the crescent moon setting over the limb of the Earth, the vast plains of Africa and the dunes on Cape Horn, rivers breaking through tall mountain passes, the scars of humanity, the continuous line of life extending from North America, through Central America and into South America, a crescent moon setting over the limb of our blue planet . . . Thanks to many of you who have supported me and my adventures throughout the years. I hope you could feel the positive energy that beamed to the whole planet as we glided over our shared planet.

Laurel Blair Salton Clark, M.D.
Mission Specialist, Columbia Mission STS-107
Commander, United States Navy
Racine, Wisconsin