Spacewalker : my journey in space and faith as NASA's record-setting frequent flyer / Jerry L. Ross ; with John Norberg ; with a foreword by Eugene Cernan.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ross, Jerry Lynn, 1948-

Contributor:

Norberg, John.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Astronauts--United States--Biography.

Astronauts.

Outer space--Exploration--United States.

Outer space.

Ross, Jerry Lynn, 1948-.

Ross, Jerry Lynn.

Physical Description:

xviii, 274 p. : ill. (some col.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Other Title:

My journey in space and faith as NASA's record-setting frequent flyer

Place of Publication:

West Lafayette, Ind. : Purdue University Press, c2013.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

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.

Contents:

Prologue: Jim Gentleman

Sputnik, a mouse, and blackberry pie

"Look to your left and look to your right"

"My daddy is an astronaut . . ."

The no names

Liftoff! We have liftoff!

"Obviously a major malfunction"

More boarding passes

The John Young glass ceiling

"Lock the doors"

Blessed, happy, thankful . . . and surprised!.

Notes:

Includes index.

ISBN:

9781612493060

1612493068

9781612492322

1612492320

OCLC:

1040061935