Sturckow Named Backup Commander for STS-134; New Launch Dates for Next Two Shuttle Missions
NASA announced today that astronaut Rick Sturckow has been named as backup commander for STS-134. Mark Kelly is the commander of the mission, scheduled for launch in April, but is currently focused on his wife’s recovery from an assassination attempt on Saturday. Kelly is married to Representative Gabrielle Giffords.
The NASA press release quotes Kelly as saying that he recommended that NASA take this step even though he is “very hopeful” that he will be able to rejoin his crewmates. NASA astronaut office chief Peggy Whitson reiterated in the press release that Kelly remains commander of the mission.
NASA also announced new launch dates for STS-133 and STS-134: February 24 and April 19, respectively. STS-133 has been delayed since November because of a gas leak and cracks on “stringers” on its External Tank.
STS-133 is now scheduled for launch at 4:50 pm EST on February 24. STS-134 is expected to fly at 7:48 pm EDT on April 19 (the U.S. changes from standard time to daylight savings time on March 13).
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