He will not miss this marriage for the world.
The commander of Boeing’s historic first crew space flight has walked away from the assignment to make sure he will be on earth for his daughter’s wedding next year.
Astronaut Chris Ferguson made the announcement on Wednesday, calling it a difficult and personal decision to step down from the Boeing Starliner crew and leave the International Space Station in 2021.
Boeing astronaut Chris Ferguson has distanced himself from the first Starliner crew, citing his daughter’s wedding in 2021.
(AP Photo / Pat Sullivan)
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“I am embarking on a new mission, one that keeps my feet firmly planted here on earth and prioritizes my most important crew – my family. Ferguson tweeted that I would still work hard with the #CruelTeam team and @NASA_Astronotes.
In a video posted online, the former NASA astronaut emphasized his passion for human spaceflight and his commitment to the Starliner program, but hinted that “next year is very important for my family.”
“I’ve made a lot of commitments that I can’t risk missing,” he said.
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According to Associated Press reports, a Boeing spokesman confirmed that they have a daughter.
Ferguson added, “I’m not going anywhere, I’m not going into space next year. He will continue to work for Boeing.
Going forward, NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore will take his place on the Starliner crew – but no one will be able to replace the bride’s father.
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The Associated Press contributes to this report.
