In the film Bullock completes a space walk, which the woman in that article you found did not. Just because someone older has gone into space (in fact only 2 people older according to the article) doesn't make it anymore realistic for that space mission IMO. Considering first Angelina Jolie (who turned it down) and then Natalie Portman (turned it down due to scheduling conflicts) was supposed to get the lead, I think either of them would have been a little more believable. Don't get me wrong, I do like SB I just personally think the casting is a little off and the studio have opted for a bankable name
shock horror! Profit making movie studio uses a 'star' to help make more money
What I find unbelievable is the cameramen who must have been floating in space beside her