AN EAST Lancashire business man with links to the NASA space programme has spoken of his sadness and "devastation" after the Columbia space shuttle disaster.
John Getty, a former Burnley Grammar School pupil and now chairman of PDS Engineering in Nelson, has built close links with NASA after being asked to design and build a high-tech balloon project.
Seven astronauts aboard the Columbia died after a catastrophic explosion tore the shuttle apart.
John, 52, today revealed how he met Indian astronaut Kalpana Chawla during a business trip to Houston and was heartbroken when he heard the news of the disaster.
He said: "Kalpana was known as KC to everyone because her name is so hard to pronounce. I met her while out for a meal and was introduced.
"We talked about our balloon project and she was thrilled by it - she even offered to go on the inaugural flight.
"It is just so upsetting. We are all devastated by what happened.
"The astronauts are all incredible lovely people.
"I was heartbroken and as soon as I saw it I knew the implications of it. It is a disaster for the whole of mankind."
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