Mark Kelly to retire from NASA to support Gabrielle Giffords

Space shuttle commander Mark Kelly announced Tuesday that he has decided to retire from NASA and the Navy to support his wife-- Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords-- as she continues to recover from the head injuries she sustained during a January shooting attack in Tucson, AZ.

Kelly said in a statement today:

As life takes unexpected turns we frequently come to a crossroads. I am at this point today. Gabrielle is working hard every day on her mission of recovery. I want to be by her side. Stepping aside from my work in the Navy and at NASA will allow me to be with her and with my two daughters. I love them all very much and there is no doubt that we will move forward together. After some time off, I will look at new opportunities and am hopeful that one day I will again serve our country.

Kelly just recently returned from space, where he served as commander of the Space Shuttle Endeavor. He defended his decision to go to space while his wife was still in a rehabilitation hospital receiving treatment for brain trauma and other medical issues. He made clear he would still receive email and other updates on his wife's condition while on the 17-day trip and that his wife supported his decision.

But last week, Giffords was released from the hospital for the first time since her surgery following the Jan. 8 attack. Her release means that she's now returned to live with her husband, in his home outside of Houston where she continues outpatient therapy at TIRR Memorial Hermann hospital.

The hospital reported that Giffords will have 24-hour home health assistance as she continues to work on her motor skills, walking and speaking.

Giffords and Kelly revealed this week that they they've accepted an offer to write a joint memoir.

(Photo of Kelly waving to the crowd April 29 prior to the shuttle launch: Marta Lavandier/AP)