Beyonce's new self-titled album has been highly-acclaimed and widely received with praise since the superstar diva released it without a hint of promotion or marketing on Dec. 13.  However, there's one criticism that the songstress can't ignore.

According to NASA officials, the 32-year-old mother "trivialized" the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in her song "XO," the lead single from the album. In the beginning of the song, the pop star features an audio sample of NASA PR announcer Steve Nesbitt recorded just after the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded on takeoff and killed seven people on January 28, 1986. The explosion was nationally televised.

The song starts with Nesbitt's famous words: "Flight controllers here looking very carefully at the situation. Obviously a major malfunction." 

On Tuesday, the space agency issued the statement after the Grammy winner began to receive criticism from Challenger families and others like June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Challenger commander Dick Scobee. She told ABC that she was disappointed and described the use of the audio as "emotionally difficult."

"The Challenger accident is an important part of our history; a tragic reminder that space exploration is risky and should never be trivialized," said the statement from Lauren B. Worley, NASA's press secretary, reports USA Today. "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."

NASA's response came after Beyoncé explained the use of the short snippet in a statement to ABC News.

"My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster," Beyoncé's statement 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."