Brother: Gifford’s husband choosing soon on flight

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ husband will decide soon whether he will blast off aboard space shuttle Endeavour in April, his twin brother said from orbit Wednesday.

Scott Kelly said Mark is holding up “very well” and tells him that his wife, the wounded congresswoman, is improving every day in rehab in Houston.

“He’s doing about as best as anyone could in this situation,” Scott Kelly told The Associated Press in an interview from space. “He’s concentrating on Gabby’s care. But he’s also been going back to work.”

Scott Kelly said he expects his brother to make a decision on his NASA flight status “fairly soon.” Although he declined to elaborate, his remarks suggested that his brother will choose to fly.

Mark Kelly will need to consult with NASA management, on whatever he decides. He is the commander of Endeavour’s final flight. For now, another astronaut is substituting for him during training.