First, let me say that I listened to the memorial service for the Columbia space shuttle astronauts today. They, along with their families, are on my mind and in my heart. I hope that the families, and especially the 15 children that they left behind, find peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Now comes the point of this blog. When I got to work today, Darrell gave me this senario:

You are aboard the space shuttle and mission control in Houston determines that upon take-off, the shuttle was damaged beyond repair. Although you'll be able to safely spend the next 2 or 3 weeks in space, there is no chance for your safe return to earth. You also know that you can't just cruise through space indefinitely so your end is near.

Would you want them to inform you of this, and if so, when during the trip (the first day, some time into it, or the day of your attempt to return to earth)?

My answer: I would not want to know. If I was in the position to be on a space shuttle mission, I'm assuming that this would be because it was the fulfillment of a lifetime dream. And because I was fulfilling this dream, I would be extremely happy. By knowing that I was going to die on this trip, I would be robbed of that happiness, as I just wouldn't be able to not let that fact overshadow my days.

What about you? Would you want to know?