Space Station Crew Observes Global Moment Of Silence

The crew of the International Space Station and engineers in flight control rooms around the world observed a global moment of silence Monday in honor of the victims of the Tucson shootings.

"We have a unique vantage point from here aboard the International Space Station. As I look out the window I see a very beautiful planet that seems very inviting and peaceful. Unfortunately, it is not," outpost commander Scott Kelly said as the station soared 220 miles above the Pacific Ocean just south of Central America.

"These days we are constantly reminded of the unspeakable acts of violence and damage that we can inflict upon one another, not just through actions but also with our irresponsible words," he said. "We’re better than this. We must do better."

Kelly's twin brother, astronaut Mark Kelly, is the husband of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Arizona, who is in critical condition after being shot in the head by a would-be assassin in a shooting rampage that left six others dead.

Scott Kelly called Giffords "a caring and dedicated public servant." Engineers in Mission Control Centers in Houston, Moscow, Germany, Canada and Japan observed a moment of silence at 11 a.m. EST. American flags at all NASA centers flew at half-staff.

A federal judge, a congressional aide and a nine-year-old girl were among the six people killed, while Giffords and 13 others were injured in the bursts of gunfire during a Giffords appearance outside a Tucson supermarket. A 22-year-old described as a social outcast, Jared Loughner, was arrested and charged in the attempted assassination of Giffords.

Mark Kelly, who is scheduled to command a shuttle mission to the International Space Station in April, said he and his family are grateful for the cross-country show of support.

"On behalf of Gabby and our entire family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Arizona and this great nation for their unbelievable outpouring of support. Gabby was doing what she loved most - hearing from her constituents - when this tragedy occurred. Serving Southern Arizonans is her passion, and nothing makes her more proud than representing them in Congress," Mark Kelly said in a statement.

Mark Kelly said his family mourns the loss of Judge John M. Roll, Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard and Gabe Zimmerman.

"We must never forget them, and our prayers are with their families. Our hearts go out to everyone injured yesterday; we hope and pray for their quick recovery," he said.

Mark Kelly also extended "thanks and appreciation to all of the first responders, medical personnel, law enforcement, and Arizona citizens who acted swiftly on Saturday and continue to assist our community through this tragedy. Many stories of heroism are emerging, and they are a source of strength for us during this difficult time. We are forever grateful."

Many people have offered to help, Mark Kelly said.

"There is little that we can do but pray for those who are struggling. If you are inspired to make a positive gesture, consider two organizations that Gabby has long valued and supported: Tucson's Community Food Bank and the American Red Cross."

The address for the Tuscon Community Food Bank is 3003 S Country Club Rd, #21, Tucson, AZ, 85713-4084. The phone number is (520) 622-0525.

IMAGE NOTE: Click to enlarge the NASA photo of Scott Kelly. The second image shows NASA astronaut Robert "Bobby" Satcher (left) and NASA space station flight director Matt Abbott observing a moment of silence in the Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center in Houston.