posted 05-07-2013 11:42 AM               

This is what Mike had to say in that post-STS-121 conversation about his reaction to receiving word that he'd been named to the crew:

posted 05-21-2013 08:46 PM               

Just after the airlock was sealed and repressurized, Wheelock was inducted into Army Aviation's Order of St. Michael by commander Pam Melroy. Here's what Wheelock had to say about the moment:

posted 07-02-2013 04:29 PM               

VJGC was established by NASCAR's Kyle and Pattie Petty in memory of their son, Adam, who lost his life in a crash during practice at New Hampshire International Speedway in May 2000. I was at the track that day. My wife and I named one of our twin sons Adam in his honor.

Organizers this year are offering a pasta dinner at NASCAR legend Richard Petty's home to the top fundraisers, and my godmother is Petty's biggest fan -- hands down, without a doubt whatsoever. To help make sure she has a seat at the table, she has offered to purchase a copy of "Wheels Stop" for the first 25 people who donate $100 or more.

posted 10-29-2013 08:08 AM               

John Glenn's Shuttle flight rekindled the embers of my interest in human spaceflight, but it was Robert and collectSPACE that fanned it once again into a burning flame. It was here that I found out about the Apollo 12 reunion that was being held not far from my Phoenix hotel, and once I went to that, we've been Go for launch ever since.

posted 11-01-2013 04:44 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Rick:
I'm just glad I had pants on.

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posted 11-02-2013 04:28 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by cspg:
Maybe you should meet Jay Gallentine since he had to read out loud his manuscript in his car...

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I was expecting the color proof pages to the book that week, so I had the publisher ship them to the motel where the conference was being held. Our twin sons were newborn at the time, and when the front desk called to say that the package had arrived, I had not showered or shaved and the boys had saved that exact moment to... well... make really, really good use of their diapers.

Who cared? I didn't. Not with my first book's proof pages waiting. I ran a comb through my hair, threw the boys in their stroller and headed down to the front desk. No one was ever going to know. We got on the elevator, went to the first floor and then down a long hallway of conference rooms to get to the front desk.

It was at that exact moment that my wife's conference took a break, and out of the rooms came... every... single... judge... in... the... state... of... North... Carolina, me in my nappy shorts and T-shirt, unshaved and unbathed, and the boys with rather ripe diapers.

posted 11-05-2013 10:27 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Rick:
I will be doing a book signing for "Wheels Stop" at the Barnes & Noble

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posted 11-06-2013 05:02 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by lspooz:
Houston, we've had a problem (OK I couldn't resist...)

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posted 11-07-2013 07:23 AM               

Milt was the lead Flight Director on several shuttle flights including STS-61, the critical first Hubble Space Telescope repair mission. In what will surely go down as one of the highlights of his career, Milt is also serving as co-author and cheerleader on our upcoming book for UNP on the historic third-floor MOCR.

Milt got his copy of "Wheels Stop" yesterday! Holy cow!

posted 11-11-2013 12:40 PM               

I cannot give it a five-star review on Amazon - that is to say, I cannot give what has been so obviously earned. Rick has produced an incredible work that brings to life the characters and events of the shuttle era I've only read about for decades.

Wheels Stop is presented with an over-arching structure that really illustrates the thoughts and demands (many conflicting) that shaped the progress of the shuttle program over three decads.

Of note is that many of the stories, interviews and quotes are presented together based on a common theme (usually centered around a particular mission OR astronaut). There are some rapid transitions that at first seemed confusing or abrupt but eventually really flow together well. This process calls to mind the idea of viewing a pointillism painting too close-up, slowly savoring and enjoying the many many components and eventually understanding the masterpiece.

Highly recommended, and quite a difference from the typical history text. Of course, the index and appendices are evidence of the detail and dedication to this great book.

Of course, the timing was perfect as I devoured the book en route to the 2013 ASF show (rookie review pending).

posted 11-12-2013 12:50 PM               

Clearly a space buff and not a historian, [author Rick Houston] fills his account with astronaut biographies, interviews, and quotes; technical details; personal rivalries; and often stormy NASA politics. The Challenger and Columbia disasters receive their grim chapters along with another on the greatest achievement—launching and caring for the Hubble Space Telescope. Readers will find the section on American–Russian space flights absorbing, and will be mourning the end of the shuttle program by the final chapter.

posted 11-15-2013 05:51 AM               

What made this also good was I had a chance to talk with Milt Heflin on Wednesday at MIT and he was great to talk to about the book and what he has planned. He fully enjoyed working with Rick and only had positive things to say. Based on my read and talking with people about it, I think Rick should write more!!

posted 11-15-2013 07:13 AM               

I've read many books on the shuttle but this is the most accessible I've come across. The combination of Rick's writing style and the interviewees' honest stories make it easy to imagine being in their shoes.

This book also describes the EVA experience in great detail. Many astronauts talk at length about the difference between being in the cabin and being outside. This was an unexpected benefit.

posted 12-07-2013 09:23 PM               

1. email exactly what you want written and where [ie title page, inner cover, first flyleaf] and let me know by next Sat AM

2. please send $40.93 via PayPal PER BOOK, just for the book [book price $36.95 + 6.75% sales tax= $39.44, +$1.38 for Paypal's cut] so I break even on the book

3. after I get the book packed in a box I'll send it [via media mail in the continental US, probably about $4-5; other services at your request or if overseas] and ask you to send payment for the shipping charges so again I break even.