Giffords' husband plans to command Endeavour space shuttle
Astronaut Mark Kelly is the husband of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was wounded in a shooting in January.
February 4th, 2011
01:30 PM ET

Giffords' husband plans to command Endeavour space shuttle

The astronaut husband of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords said Friday his wife's extraordinary medical progress since she was shot through the brain, coupled with support from family, friends and the public, were keys to his decision to command the upcoming flight of the space shuttle Endeavour.

During a press conference with NASA officials - who said they determined going with Kelly was the right decision - Mark Kelly described what he thought the realities would be after the January 8 shooting in Tucson, Arizona, and what he now expects.

"At that time, my thought was I'd very likely would be sitting in the ICU seat, two, four or six months later, by her bedside," said Kelly, sporting a blue wristband that reads "Peace, Love, Gabby."

Command of the shuttle flight came under question after Giffords was shot. Now, he said, he expects her to witness Endeavour soaring into space on the current April 19 timetable.

"I have every intention for her to be at the launch," said Kelly. "She would be very comfortable with the decision I made."

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Filed under: Gabrielle Giffords • Shuttle • Space
soundoff (11 Responses)
  1. Mmmmm

    Not buying it...something is wrong with this picture.

    February 4, 2011 at 6:54 pm | Report abuse |
    • tony

      not buying what???
      i don't see anything being sold. another glen beck fan looking for seeds for their next fantasy/conspiracy

      February 4, 2011 at 7:26 pm | Report abuse |
  2. The crazies

    Who give a uckf!!!

    February 4, 2011 at 7:42 pm | Report abuse |
  3. mad hater

    That dude is not coming back

    February 4, 2011 at 11:26 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Sherri Havens

    I wish you well on your journey and know your wife will be watching with love and pride.Bless You!

    February 5, 2011 at 12:25 am | Report abuse |
  5. Jay G

    Didn't doctors say it was critical that she's surrounded by family while recovering? Also, isn't the space shuttle a national asset with a crew of human lives at risk? The military would NEVER allow him to fly under such psychological stresses, yet the "NASA family" thinks it's fine. What is she takes a turn for the worst while he's sitting on the launch pad or is in space? Sorry, Mark, the shuttle mission is bigger than you. A true hero would step aside, not only for his wife, but also for the interest of NASA. Very selfish.

    February 5, 2011 at 3:04 am | Report abuse |
  6. tbone sally

    Props to mr gifford and nothing but love and prayers for mrs gifford. nasa is bigger than all of us and they know what they doin!!! they would not allow him to fly if they felt it was not a great idea! what better way to get your mind at peace than being in space...im envios. good luck giffords

    February 5, 2011 at 7:25 am | Report abuse |
  7. JeFF

    Maybe she's the anti-christ!!!

    February 5, 2011 at 9:20 pm | Report abuse |
  8. Super- 2100 -Star

    While laughing in the cyber-halls 2100 approaches this chat-room door. Screamed loudly "Hiii-ee-ya-aa ahh" !! Then kicks the door in(crash!) while laughing aloud and walking on to next door.

    February 6, 2011 at 1:20 am | Report abuse |
  9. RN

    Avoid the death penalty drug debate and take Loughner for a space walk in his pink (prison issue) underwear... "Bon voyage" Good riddance to bad rubbish.

    February 6, 2011 at 2:35 am | Report abuse |
  10. jokerandmimi

    I agree with you JayG It seems the wrong time to do this. Maybe having a little ego problem,wife is getting too much attention Jealous?Not the time to be in charge of a crucial command

    February 6, 2011 at 3:23 am | Report abuse |
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