[Darlin']

"They said the female astronaut, the one who was born in India, made some mistakes on a previous shuttle mission that other astronauts had to correct via a space walk to retrieve a satellite

I keep wondering whether she was piloting. Also whether she was Islamic or Hindu or Christian. It also crossed my mind that few others would be given a second chance... why her? Twofer"

Oh, good grief. I certainly hope lurkers do not consider that statement to be atypical of FReeper mentality and intelligence. That particular astronaut immigrated here in the early 80's, she was a scientist not a pilot. She would not have been flying the shuttle at any time. For the record, the pilots weren't flying it at that point either. It was computer controlled.

[Friend of thunder]

I certainly hope lurkers do not consider that statement to be atypical of FReeper I think you used a double negative.

[L`enn]

Look at the resume, she was more than qualified. Stereotypes can be positive as well as negative, saying that Indians I have met are incredibly intelligent, particularly in the area of business AND science, and their work ethic is intense. I trust that her being placed on the mission was well-deserved (unfortunately due to the result :(