NASA names backup for Giffords' husband

HOUSTON, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- NASA named a backup commander Thursday for the last shuttle mission in case Mark Kelly, husband of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, is unable to carry on.

Kelly, who has been in Tucson since his wife was shot Saturday, said in a statement released by the space agency he recommended preparing a substitute, the Los Angeles Times reported. He remains commander of the 14-day mission scheduled to lift off April 19.

"I recommended to my management that we take steps now to prepare to complete the mission in my absence, if necessary," Kelly said. "I am very hopeful that I will be in a position to rejoin my STS-134 crew members to finish our training."

Rick Sturckow begins training next week with the STS-134 crew at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Giffords, who was shot in the head, remains in critical condition. Doctors and family members say she appears to be making a good recovery.