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The Oldest Astronaut

John Glenn was the first American to orbit Earth, in 1962. Now he may set another space record by becoming the oldest astronaut ever. NASA decided that Glenn, a Senator from Ohio, will board the shuttle Discovery for a 10-day mission next October, at age 77.

Researchers hope to learn more about aging by studying what happens to Glenn's body. In space, the heart, bones and immune system change in ways that are like the effects of aging.

Only current astronauts are allowed on the shuttle. NASA is bending the rule for Glenn. "I see this as another adventure into the unknown," Glenn said last Friday. "I'm honored, and I'm privileged."

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