Injured Congresswoman's Husband Is The Spacecraft's Commander

U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who was seriously injured by a gunman at a political rally in January, has been cleared to attend the launch of Endeavour at the end of the week. Giffords' husband Mark Kelly is commanding the mission to ISS which is scheduled for launch Friday.

CNN reports that Giffords will fly on a private aircraft from the rehabilitation center in Houston where she is being treated to Kennedy Space Center for the launch, accompanied by a nurse. No doctor or medical assistant is scheduled to make the flight, planned for Wednesday or Thursday.

Giffords' recovery has been considered somewhat remarkable by the doctors providing her care. She is able to speak short sentences and walk with the assistance of a grocery cart. She reportedly has full use of her left side.

The mission will be the final one for Endeavour. One planned shuttle flight remains following the mission launching Friday. The President and First Lady are also expected to be at Cape Canaveral for the launch.

FMI: www.nasa.gov