20 November 2009 - 23H54
Astronaut counts down to daughter's birth
In this November 16, 2009 file photo NASA mission specialist Randy Bresnik (C) joins colleagues Mike Foreman (L) and Leland Melvin as the crew of the space shuttle Atlantis walk out to the astrovan at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Bresnik entered an unusual space countdown on Friday as he waited onboard the International Space Station for the birth of his daughter back on Earth.
AFP - NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik entered an unusual space countdown on Friday as he waited onboard the International Space Station for the birth of his daughter back on Earth.
The 42-year-old Marine and his five Atlantis crew members eagerly listened for word from Bresnik's wife, Rebecca Burgin, who is due to give birth to the couple's second child, the US space agency said.
Bresnik, a test pilot whose hobbies include "flying warbirds," could become only the second person to become a father in space.
The couple had not expected the pregnancy, as doctors determined said they could not have children, prompting them to adopt a Ukrainian boy.
As if Bresnik's anticipation levels were not high enough, on Saturday he is expected to embark on his first spacewalk with colleague Michael Foreman.
Stay tuned
