posted 02-22-2012 08:54 AM               

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.

• An insider's account of the US Space Shuttle program, from before its first launch through the final landing, and the building of the International Space Station.

• A firsthand account of life in space from the first human to fly seven missions.

• An inspirational story of a personal journey from rural Indiana to outer space, powered by a deep Christian faith.

About the Authors:

Jerry Lynn Ross is an Indiana native, a graduate of Purdue University, a retired United States Air Force officer, and a former astronaut who retired from NASA in 2012. Colonel Ross is a veteran of seven US Space Shuttle missions and holds an individual world record for the most spaceflights flown.

John Norberg is a writer based in West Lafayette, Indiana. John Norberg is an experienced journalist and the author of five books, including Wings of Their Dreams (2003) about the role of aviation's pioneers and trailblazers in the history of flight and space.

• Purdue University Press, January 31, 2013
  
• Hardcover, 300 pages
  
• ISBN 10: 1557536317
  
• ISBN 13: 9781557536310

posted 11-23-2012 09:01 PM               

Really, the best thing I can say is that it's not all that hard to picture Jerry as not all that different from any of us on this board who have dreamed of flying in space for most of our lives. The only difference is that he actually got to live out every adventure we could possibly have imagined ... and then some. Despite everything he was able to accomplish, he never took it for granted.

The writing style is very readable. Some of my favorite parts were actually contributions from his wife, Karen; his daughter, Amy; and son, Scott. To them, he is husband and father, not at all different from your next-door neighbor.

posted 12-28-2012 09:26 AM               

Ross: I always felt like I was a kid in a candy store – every time that I went to work! What better way to earn a living than by doing what you love and if you had the money you would pay people to let you do what you’re doing? So, I loved it all, in fact on my seventh flight I still felt like a kid in a candy shop and I had that anticipation...

posted 01-08-2013 08:49 PM            

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Originally posted by micropooz:
Welcome aboard, Jerry! From your old PAM instructor ("old" being more of a functional word every day!)

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posted 01-30-2013 08:28 AM               

There's so much extra here that I'm going to cancel my paper copy. Highly recommended!

posted 02-04-2013 06:36 AM               

If you use the notes function you are sent back to the correct page but the next page turn reveals the cover and you have to manually scroll to where you were. This is frustrating especially if you're hundreds of pages into the text.

It seems the book portion works best if you do nothing - don't set a note, just close the app. Then it seems to remember where you left off when next opened. But this does not give the peace of mind of setting a bookmark and does not allow for syncing across devices.

posted 02-04-2013 01:37 PM               

Frequent-flyer astronaut Jerry Ross: Seven spaceflights were 'a good start'

There are few people more qualified than Jerry Ross to describe what it is like to launch into space.

Now retired after three decades as NASA astronaut, Ross flew into space a record seven times. Over the course of his nearly 1,400 hours orbiting Earth — including almost 60 hours performing spacewalks — Ross helped save and deploy one of NASA's four "great observatories," worked at two space stations, and served the U.S. Department of Defense on a classified shuttle mission that he still cannot talk to this day.

Ross recounts his experiences in his new autobiography, "Spacewalker: My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA's Record-Setting Frequent Flyer" (Purdue University Press, 2013), co-authored with John Norberg.

collectSPACE.com recently spoke with Ross about writing "Spacewalker," his hopes for the book and his thoughts on the next generation of astronauts who will follow him into space, including perhaps his daughter.

posted 02-15-2013 09:21 PM               

Besides a biography, it is a comprehensive look at the shuttle program through Jerry Ross's eyes (he was one of only a handful of astronauts who were there from STS-1 in 1981 all the way through STS-135).

I was astonished to learn that Col. Ross, the champion of spacewalkers, is unable to swim. His description of how he was certified for the NBP "pool" is fascinating.

It was also interesting that he confirms the important role of personal relationships in astronaut crew assignments.

Col. Ross also describes the wonders of the universe visible from space in the context of his deep religious faith.

Col. Ross has a knack for describing each of his seven flights, choosing a few facts and anecdotes without becoming repetitive.

posted 02-22-2013 10:21 AM            

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Originally posted by Greggy_D:
Are there any plans for an Android/Google Play version of the app?

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posted 02-22-2013 10:29 AM            

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Originally posted by Grounded!:
Thumbing through, I saw a picture with a nice Pontiac. That wouldn't be a '67 Firebird would it?

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posted 04-26-2013 07:08 PM            

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Originally posted by Tykeanaut:
What a great read. Vivid descriptions that make you feel part of it all.

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posted 06-04-2013 06:35 PM            

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Originally posted by ColinBurgess:
Jerry, what a pleasure it was meeting you at Spacefest V and purchasing your book from you.

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posted 06-04-2013 06:36 PM            

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Originally posted by dogcrew5369:
I really enjoyed Spacewalker very much. Jerry Ross has always been one of my favorite astronauts. I couldn't put the book down.

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