Sky Walking; An Astronaut's Memoir

New York, NY: Smithsonian Books, Collins [an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers], 2006. First Smithsonian Books edition [stated]. First Printing [Stated]. Hardcover. Very good/Very good. Glued binding. Paper over boards. xiv, 369, [1] pages. Illustrations (some in color). Inscribed by the author on title page. Glossary. Bibliography. Index. DJ has slight wear and soiling. Thomas David Jones (born January 22, 1955) is a former United States astronaut. He was selected to the astronaut corps in 1990 and completed four space shuttle flights before retiring in 2001. He flew on STS-59 and STS-68 in 1994, STS-80 in 1996 and STS-98 in 2001. His total mission time was 53 days 48 minutes. He works as a planetary scientist, space operations consultant, astronaut speaker, and author. From 1983 to 1988 Jones worked toward a Ph.D. at the University of Arizona in Tucson. His research interests included the remote sensing of asteroids, meteorite spectroscopy, and applications of space resources. Jones performed advanced program planning for NASA's Solar System Exploration Division, investigating future robotic missions to Mars, asteroids, and the outer solar system. A gripping first-hand account of life in space and the making of an astronaut. Tom Jones flew four shuttle missions and led three space walks to deliver a US Lab to the Station. From B-52 pilot during the Cold War, to a Ph.D. in planetary science, to the rigors of astronaut training, his career pointed him toward the space shuttle. Jones candidly explains the professional and personal hardships faced by the astronauts. He found himself wondering if the risks he undertook were worth the toll on his family. Liftoffs were especially nerve-wracking but his 53 days in space were unforgettable adventures. Jones uses his background as a scientist to explain the practical applications of many of the shuttle's scientific missions, and describes what it's like to work with the international crews building and living aboard the space station. Tom Jones returned from his space station voyage to assess the impact of the 2003 Columbia tragedy, and prescribes a successful course for the U.S. in space.