Astronaut in Space Gets News of Mother's Death

from National Public Radio

Daniel Tani became the first American astronaut to lose a close family member while in space this week.

Dr. Sean Roden, a flight surgeon at Johnson Space Center in Houston, broke the news of Rose Tani's death to her son. The 90-year-old was killed Wednesday when her car was struck by a freight train outside Chicago.

Roden talks with Melissa Block.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, December 20, 2007