WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) today made the following statement to mark the 25th anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger accident on January 28, 1986:

“Twenty-five years ago our nation, with its eyes turned skyward, was reminded of the perilous journey from Earth to space.  The destruction of the Challenger space shuttle and the loss of the brave astronauts aboard deeply affected our nation and influenced the future of America’s attitude toward space exploration.  But our nation refused to turn its back on space after this tragic event and continued to push towards the stars.

"NASA stands today at the threshold of a new era in human spaceflight and it is fitting to remember the service and sacrifice of those who have given their lives in pioneering space, which is still the nation’s—and the world’s—next Frontier. "

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