Family escort
Mission
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
Each American space mission would have two family escorts appointed. These astronauts would be responsible for making the travel and accommodation arrangements for the spouses, families, and in-laws of the astronauts to witness the launch. They were also responsible of letting the families know what was going on in case of trouble, and informing them of the death of the crew if necessary.