An Astronaut's Tragedy

This is a sad story, with unusual implications. From the Houston Chronicle:

The 90-year-old mother of an astronaut aboard the international space station was killed Wednesday when her car was struck by a freight train in a Chicago suburb.

A NASA flight surgeon in Mission Control informed astronaut Dan Tani of the death of his mother, Rose Tani, while he was orbiting about 220 miles above the Earth.

The article explains how NASA is following pre-defined procedures for how to handle a family tragedy that befalls an astronaut while he or she is in space. It sounds like Mr. Tani will be relived of his obligations if necessary for a set period of time. Nothing can ease the shock of losing a parent unexpectedly - but it must be an acutely difficult ordeal in the close confines of a space station, so far removed from home.

[Via NasaWatch]