"Since the tragic loss of Columbia, a national debate has begun about the role of human spaceflight," said Louis Friedman, the organization's executive director. "The Planetary Society, which supports both human and robotic spaceflight, is an active participant in this debate and urges individuals to let their voices be heard by signing the Declaration."

In the aftermath of the recent Space Shuttle disaster, several members of the Star Trek community are vocalizing their support for continued manned exploration of space, and urge all others who believe in Gene Roddenberry's vision of the future to actively do so as well.

The Planetary Society, a space advocacy group based in Pasadena, California, is providing a "Declaration of Support for Space Exploration — A Response to the Loss of Columbia and her Crew" for members and non-members alike to sign in expression of their sorrow for the tragedy and their support for NASA to continue its mission of both robotic and human exploration of the Final Frontier.

Robert Picardo, best know as "The Doctor" in Star Trek: Voyager, is a member of the Planetary Society's Advisory Council, and has this to say:

"Man's future — and I pray we allow ourselves to have one — lies beyond this planet. I have become involved with The Planetary Society to encourage young science fiction fans to be captured by the real drama: the daily discoveries of our ongoing exploration of space. Although the recent tragedy envelops us all, to falter in our commitment to the future of human and robotic exploration of space is a disservice to the dedicated men and women who serve us as architects of our future."

Picardo's castmate Tim Russ ("Tuvok") has also lent his name to the Society's declaration, as have George Takei ("Sulu"), Wil Wheaton ("Wesley Crusher") and numerous behind-the-scenes dignitaries including Andre Bormanis, story editor on Enterprise and formerly Star Trek science consultant; scenic art supervisor Mike Okuda; production designer Herman Zimmerman; Matt Jefferies, the Original Series production designer who created the Starship Enterprise; Rick Sternbach, senior illustrator/designer for Star Trek from 1987-2001 and also scenic artist on "Star Trek Nemesis"; Eugene W. Roddenberry, Jr., son of the late creator of Star Trek; and others as shown at this link.

Nichelle Nichols, actress/singer/author best known for her role as "Uhura," who has actively promoted the space program and encouraged multiracial recruitment, also backs the Planetary Society effort. She has published a statement on her Web site, Uhura.com, relating her devastation at the Columbia tragedy. "My mind raced back nearly twenty years to the Challenger disaster when we lost another magnificent seven. Three on the Challenger had been my recruits..."

"In spite of our loss, our Space endeavors must move forward... no longer for the challenge of the space race, but for the continued betterment of humankind here on Earth..." she continues. "We are called once again as our history has called us before to reconfirm our commitment that these brave and brilliant souls shall not have died in vain. We must now stand united and demand that the dream become a reality. To do less would be an insult to our heroes, the Astronaut Corp, and to this great nation."

The Planetary Society will present the declaration to NASA once it appears all the names of supporters have been gathered.

Sign the Planetary Society Declaration, then come back and discuss the issues facing us in space at the Star Trek message boards.