Uncle, you might want to do an internet search on Ms. Epps.
She has a PHD in Aerospace Engineering. You do not get selected to be in the astronaut program unless are extremely intelligent and qualified. It is a very competitive program to get in.
I personally know an alternate(he did not get picked to go on the space shuttle) who still works for NASA in Houston at the Johnson Space Center. He is an Air Force Reserve Lt Colonel. He has two PHD’s and is a pilot. He was a bombardier in the Air Force.
I would guess that Ms. Epps has some physical impairment that is keeping her from making the trip.
I would guess that Ms. Epps has some physical impairment that is keeping her from making the trip.
Possibly or that the mission plan had been changed to the extent that a medical doctor was a skill needed more on this round more than an aerospace engineer. If so that wouldn’t be a knock against Ms. Epps.