Spacewalker
My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA’s Record-Setting Frequent Flyer
-
- $14.99
-
- $14.99
Publisher Description
From the age of ten, looking up at the stars, Jerry Ross knew that he wanted to journey into space. This autobiography tells the story of how he came not only to achieve that goal, but to become the most-launched astronaut in history, as well as a NASA veteran whose career spanned the entire US Space Shuttle program. From his childhood in rural Indiana, through education at Purdue University, and a career in the US Air Force, Ross charted a path to NASA after overcoming many setbacks-from failing to qualify for Air Force pilot training because of "bad" eyesight, to an initial failure to be selected into the astronaut program. The majority of the book is an insider's account of the US Space Shuttle program, including the unforgettable experience of launch, the delights of weightless living, and the challenges of constructing the International Space Station. Ross is a uniquely qualified narrator. During seven spaceflights, he spent 1,393 hours in space, including 58 hours and 18 minutes on nine space walks. Life on the ground is also described, including the devastating experiences of the Challenger and Columbia disasters. For readers who have followed the space program from Mercury through the International Space Station and wonder what comes next, this book provides fascination; for young people interested in space exploration and reaching for their dreams, whatever they might be, this book provides inspiration. Full of stories of spaceflight that few humans have ever experienced, told with humor and honesty, Spacewalker presents a unique perspective on the hard work, determination, and faith necessary to travel beyond this world.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Colonel Ross, the most-launched astronaut in US Space Shuttle history, paints an insider's portrait of life following the stars. A man of great faith, as well as a determined and relentless worker whose goal was to fly in space, Ross details his childhood, years at Purdue, career in the Air Force, and upward journey to achieve honors in the multi-faceted space industry. His writing addresses technical subjects with ease and clarity, and readers will not only feel the thrill of being in space, but also the anxieties and discomforts. "From our normal orbital altitude of about two hundred miles, I could see more than one thousand miles in any direction From low Earth orbit one can see a sunrise and a sunset every ninety minutes, each more vivid, unusual, and beautiful than the last." It was not all success, however, as he faced the devastating losses of the Challenger and Columbia, accidents that took the lives of friends. Over his long career, Ross aided the development of the International Space Station and groundbreaking international partnerships; his is a fascinating story of daring in a bygone era of space exploration. 33 color and 8 b/w illustrations.
