Criticism of the Space Shuttle program costs through amortization. Development costs were expected to be recouped through frequent access to space. These claims were made in an effort to obtain budgetary funding from the United States Congress. Beginning in 1981, the space shuttle began to be used for space travel. However, by the mid-1980s the concept of flying that many shuttle missions proved unrealistic and scheduled launch expectations were reduced 50%. Following the "Challenger" accident in 1986, missions were halted pending safety review. This hiatus became lengthy and ultimately lasted almost three years as arguments over funding and the safety of the program continued. Eventually the
Space Shuttle Columbia a salute, a celebration rather than just concentrating on a few moments of tragedy, but instead the bigger picture of these brave people's lives." The graphic novel "Orbiter" by Warren Ellis and Colleen Doran was dedicated to the "lives, memories and legacies of the seven astronauts lost on space shuttle "Columbia" during mission STS-107." Laurel Clark's wake up call on STS – 107 was Runrig's "Running to the Light". Laurel took "The Stamping Ground" CD into space with her and when the Shuttle exploded the CD was found back on Earth, and presented to the band. "Somewhere", the final track