The United States government agency released a statement in response to the controversy regarding Beyoncé's use of an audio sample from the NASA Challenger explosion in the opening of "XO" from her recently released platinum-selling self-titled visual album.

"Flight controllers here looking very carefully at the situation," NASA public affairs officer Steve Nesbitt said when Challenger exploded and the footage of the wreckage falling to the ocean was broadcasted on live television. "Obviously a major malfunction had occurred." Nearly 28 years after the tragedy, Nesbitt's voice is heard in one of the R&B diva's tracks on "Beyoncé."

"The Challenger accident is an important part of our history; a tragic reminder that space exploration is risky and should never be trivialized," NASA's press secretary Lauren B. Worley spoke of the disaster which claimed seven American lives in 1986.

"NASA works every day to honor the legacy of our fallen astronauts as we carry out our mission to reach for new heights and explore the universe," she continued.

In addition, Beyoncé said that the use of Challenger explosion audio was not meant to be disrespectful.

"My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster," she said. "The song 'XO' was recorded with the sincerest intention to help heal those who have lost loved ones and to remind us that unexpected things happen, so love and appreciate every minute that you have with those who mean the most to you."

"The songwriters included the audio in tribute to the unselfish work of the Challenger crew with hope that they will never be forgotten," she added.