Never thought about that aspect, good point.
That may be true, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the NASA doctors will ask him point-blank, “Given all that’s happened, do you still want to go?”
Perhaps, but mission success or failure is not determined by the wishes of individuals. They all know that they are part of a much larger team, with team goals to meet, nothing personal.
Ken Mattingly was kicked off Apollo 13 due to exposure to measles. He didn’t get the measles.
There is a lot at stake in each mission and Mike Kelly’s emotional stability has been compromised. I could be wrong about his being grounded, I expect that there will be an answer as soon as his wife stabilizes further.
What I really expect is a heartfelt announcement from him deciding not to go. That saves face for him and for NASA. The actual decision has probalby already been made.
I’m not sure this aspect is all that important, honestly. I mean, we’ve sent a lot of people into space. Have none of them had a spouse or family member with cancer? An elderly parent in a hospice? A sick kid?
Today (Jan 28) is the 25th Anniversary of the Challenger tragedy. It’s also another reminder of how dangerous space missions are.
If Kelly takes this final mission and something were to happen…
I’d imagine that’s something he’s already considered. Normally the risk would be acceptable for an astronaut. That’s what they sign up to do. But, right now it would be devastating for his wife as she tries to recover from the shooting.
Kelly’s decision will probably be announced tomorrow (Feb 4).
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/02/03/giffords-astronaut-husband-announce-decision-shuttle-launch/
One point that hasn’t been raised is how busy they keep people in rehab. I had rehab on my knee and they worked my butt off. Getting woke up at 5:30 AM. We were in the gym by 8. We had stuff scheduled all day. Visitors only chance to come by was in the evening.
So, it’s not like Kelly is sitting there all day long holding her hand. I personally wouldn’t leave my wife under these circumstances. But, the decision is his to make and he’s the one that has to face his wife afterward.
It’ll be interesting to see what he has to say tomorrow.
Based on the fact that his temporary replacement is not participating in the press conference he’s probably going. The little I know about his wife tells me this will keep her from kicking his ass.
He is going to space
I read that Kelly may be a caregiver to his wife for many, many years. In that context, leaving for a couple weeks while she is cared for in rehab might not be a bad idea. It may be his final mission.
Everyone, wants to believe Gabby will be in Congress making speeches & political deals next year. But, the reality might not be so rosy. James Brady depends heavily on his wife for care. That’s not unusual with severe brain injuries.
I wish the family well and pray she recovers.
Sounds like Kelly has a lot of driving in his future. Easy to forget how huge Texas is.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41421908/ns/technology_and_science-space/
I’m gonna say no. He’s been before and the chance of him dying is something like 1 in 25, which would leave her in a really tight spot. I don’t see that they have children, which would probably favor towards a no.
He expects her to be at the launch
He’ll go, and I’ve come to think that indeed he should.
He’s going, and if she’s the woman I believe her to be, she will have insisted.
Women! Don’t EVER underestimate 'em.
Take it from a guy who knows.
Q