Submission + - Astronaut Loses Shuttle Slot after Bike Accident
Pickens writes: "The Guardian reports that It takes 20 months of intense, dangerous training to go into space on the space shuttle with prospective astronauts flying T-34 aeroplanes, scuba diving, achieving weightlessness inside plunging jumbo jets and undergoing survival exercises in the wilderness so it comes as a disappointment and surprise that lead spacewalker Tim Kopra is being put off the mission after breaking his hip after falling off his bicycle. "It was obviously a disappointment for Tim to not be available for this upcoming launch window, but he understands very well that we have to be prepared to fly," says chief astronaut Peggy Whitson. Astronauts training for flight aren't permitted to do certain high-risk activities like sky diving, snow skiing or motorcycle riding, but routine exercise such as cycling isn't restricted. Kopra, who has made one previous journey into space, could rejoin the crew if the Discovery flight is delayed until Nasa's next launch opportunity in April. Discovery's launch has already been on hold since November due to work to repair cracks in its fuel tank. The mission will involve two spacewalks to repair an ammonia pump and perform other work on the space station."