A Proposal For The Designation Of Lunar Craters
In Honor Of Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-107) Crew

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Before the Lunar Task Group of the Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature,

A PROPOSAL FOR THE DESIGNATION OF LUNAR CRATERS TO HONOR
THE ASTRONAUTS OF SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA (STS-107)

BACKGROUND: On 1 February 2003, the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-107) perished aboard their craft during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere as their mission drew toward its conclusion. The purpose of this proposal is to respectfully request consideration by the Lunar Task Group of the Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature for the designation of seven craters on Luna, Earth's Moon, to honor the crew.

PROPOSAL: This proposal calls for the re-designation of seven "lettered" craters in the vicinity of Crater Colombo (15.1° South, 45.8° East) in honor of Columbia crew members Rick D. Husband (mission commander), William C. McCool (pilot), Michael P. Anderson (payload commander), David M. Brown (mission specialist), Kalpana Chawla (mission specialist), Laurel Blair Salton Clark (mission specialist) and Ilan Ramon (payload specialist). The specific area under consideration is located near the southern lobe of Mare Fecunditatis, east of the Montes Pyranæus and Mare Nectaris. Brief biographical sketches of the astronauts appear at the conclusion of this document; a photomap of the region, showing the location of the craters and other neighboring features, is included in a separate exhibit.

The craters proposed for re-designation are as follows:

The new designations for craters Colombo M, G and H must include a first initial or, in the case of Dr. Clark, her maiden name, to differentiate them from craters already bearing the same name.

[Proposal Continues...]

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