US crisis: Explosion visible from space

Astronauts offer "prayers and condolences to everybody involved"

US astronauts orbiting the earth saw smoke and dust clouds from the World Trade Center disaster. Frank Culbertson, Expedition Three commander, told spaceflightnow.com: "As we went over Maine, we could see New York City and the smoke from the fires. Our prayers and thoughts go out to all the people there and everywhere else." He continued: "I hope that the people responsible are caught and brought to justice as soon as possible. But first, our prayers and condolences to everybody involved." The Kennedy Space Center in Florida was shut down yesterday with only essential staff remaining.