The Astronaut Spouses Group released the following statement on Friday, Feb. 7.

"We, the spouses and children of the NASA astronaut corps, would like to thank the people of the world from the bottom of our hearts for the incredible outpouring of support and love that you have shown us in our time of deep grief.

"NASA centers have been overwhelmed with cards, letters, emails, and phone calls from you expressing your concern and support. We have also received hundreds of personal calls, emails, flowers, food, and cards at our homes. The makeshift shrine in front of the Johnson Space Center is overflowing with flowers, signs, and balloons from well wishers from all over the world. Memorial services throughout the world have honored our dear friends. You, our brothers and sisters of
the world community, have been a tremendous source of comfort and love to us and we are so grateful. We are deeply mourning our dear friends Rick, Willie, Mike, Kalpana, Ilan, Laurel, and Dave and we ask that you continue to keep their parents, wives, husbands, and children in your thoughts and prayers.

"We would also like the world community to know that as terrible and as difficult as this journey has been and will continue to be for all of our families, we cannot stress enough how blessed and honored we feel to be counted as members of the NASA family. We proudly support the noble goals and objectives of NASA and we will continue to support NASA in its finest and its darkest hours. It is our deepest hope that you also will continue to share in our belief and support of NASA's dreams. We believe NASA is a beacon of hope and light to all nations, for NASA has proven beyond the shadow of a doubt, that peoples from all races, genders, cultures, religions, and political backgrounds can transcend those differences and become the closest of friends. And
these friends will continue to pursue space exploration and scientific discovery for the single purpose of helping and furthering all of mankind. Thank you for your love and support.

"The husbands, wives, and children of the NASA Astronaut Corps."