Let me clarify some information for William F. Potter, who was upset about astronaut Robert ”Hoot” Gibson being grounded by NASA for
participating in an air race.
Astronauts begin training for a shuttle mission normally a year to a year and a half before it is scheduled to launch. During this training period, astronauts are forbidden to take part in ”high-risk recreational activity”
because if they are hurt in any way (even if it is just breaking a leg or an arm) they would be unable to fly on their scheduled mission. This would result in either the delay of a launch or in the necessity of training another astronaut. Either way, it would be a great inconvenience-costin g much time and money.
My father was an astronaut from 1978 until this past May. I remember many snow skiing trips being canceled out of fear of a broken limb.
I agree that astronauts` individuality is suppressed to a certain extent- as is that of all who work for the government. Yet when it comes to a situation like this, I am certain that very few astronauts mind canceling a ski trip or delaying an air race if it ensures their trip in space.
