CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A spacewalking astronaut put aside the impending birth of his daughter and blazed through his first-ever venture outside the International Space Station Saturday.
The spacewalkers installed new antennas, relocated a monitor for electrical hazards, set up an attachment for a spectrometer due to arrive next year, and hooked up a wireless video system for spacewalkers’ helmet cameras. The astronauts and Mission Control agreed before Saturday’s spacewalk to hold off on any news if the birth occurred while the men were outside. Everyone wanted Bresnik, a 42-year-old Marine lieutenant colonel, focused on the spacewalk because of the extra risk posed by working outside.
He announced the birth of his daughter Abigail Sunday morning, after being notified privately of the good news.
Bresnik says both mama and baby are doing very well. He and the rest of the shuttle crew were awakened Sunday by the song, “Butterfly Kisses.” Mrs. Bresnik chose it for her husband. –AP