 After the shooting of his wife , his status as commander of STS @-@ 134 was unclear , but NASA announced on February 4 , 2011 , that Kelly would remain as commander of the mission . The remarkable progress his wife was making in her recovery helped Kelly make the decision to return to training . Peggy Whitson of NASA stated " we are confident in his ability to successfully lead this mission , and I know I speak for all of NASA in saying ' welcome back . ' " 
