Description

 SPACEMAN

Spaceman (Adapted for Young Readers)

“The true story of a young boy’s journey to become an astronaut”

 New York Times Bestseller!

In Spaceman, Mike Massimino offers a unique perspective on the extraordinary experiences of being an astronaut. He takes readers on a ride literally on his real-life voyage. Allowing them to imagine what it would be like to be strapped to a massive rocket. Hurtling through space at an incredible speed of 17,500 miles per hour.

Mike Massimino

Massimino vividly describes the awe-inspiring sight of looking back at Earth from outer space, where one can witness the stark contrast between day and night. Additionally, he shares the intense anticipation and responsibility that comes with standing in front of the Hubble Space Telescope, knowing that the repairs he is about to undertake could have a profound impact on humanity’s understanding of the universe.

Recounts the Journey

Throughout the book, Massimino recounts his journey from a young boy with dreams of space exploration to becoming an astronaut. Growing up in a modest Long Island family, he defied the odds and pursued his education at prestigious institutions like Columbia and MIT.

Despite facing setbacks, such as failing his first doctoral exam and being rejected multiple times by NASA, Massimino’s determination and perseverance ultimately led him to succeed in the final round of astronaut selection. His story serves as an inspiration to never give up on one’s dreams, and he eloquently captures the essence of having “the right stuff” – the qualities and mindset required to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.

Spaceman

In Spaceman, Massimino also delves into the emotional aspects of being an astronaut. He shares the profound impact of the Columbia shuttle accident, where he tragically lost friends and colleagues. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices that come with exploring the unknown. Furthermore, Massimino expresses his deep connection and love for…

Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope which is a pivotal instrument in unraveling the mysteries of the universe. He recounts the pivotal role he and his fellow astronauts played in saving the telescope during his final mission, highlighting the immense responsibility they carried and the sense of purpose that drove them. Through his heartfelt storytelling, Massimino provides readers with a glimpse into the extraordinary life of an astronaut and the profound impact it can have on one’s perspective and appreciation for the wonders of the universe.

Spaceman Training

In addition to the physical and emotional challenges, Massimino also explores the camaraderie and teamwork that is essential in the world of space exploration. He vividly describes the intense training and simulations that astronauts undergo, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration with fellow crew members. Massimino’s anecdotes about working alongside his colleagues, both in space and on the ground, showcase the bonds that are formed through shared experiences and a common goal of advancing scientific knowledge.

Life of an Astronaut

Furthermore, Massimino offers a glimpse into the everyday life of an astronaut, from the mundane tasks of eating and sleeping in zero gravity to the exhilarating moments of spacewalks and spacewalk training. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous planning and preparation that goes into each mission, highlighting the attention to detail and precision required for success. Throughout the book, Massimino’s passion for space exploration shines through.

The Challenges

He eloquently conveys the wonder and awe that comes with venturing into the unknown, and his enthusiasm is infectious. Whether he is describing the breathtaking beauty of a sunrise from space or the exhilaration of floating weightlessly, Massimino’s words transport readers into the extraordinary world of an astronaut. Overall, In Spaceman offers a stunning and intimate account of the life of an astronaut. Through his unique perspective and personal anecdotes, Mike Massimino provides readers with a deeper understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and profound impact of space exploration. His story serves as a reminder of the boundless possibilities that exist beyond our planet and the importance of pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.

Thoughts

“Every generation of astronauts needs a storyteller — a person with wit, humor, and passion who has lived our collective dreams of space exploration and returned to tell us all about it. Mike Massimino is that person. He’s that astronaut. And this is his story.”—Neil deGrasse Tyson

“Mike Massimino writes about space with an astronaut’s eye and an engineer’s precision. You’ll be impressed with his journey and his perspective on where a well-developed space program can take us in the future.”—Senator John Glenn

Reflections

“Inspired by moonwalkers, Mike grew up, became an astronaut, and fixed the Hubble Space Telescope, all while remaining some kinda’ humble. You can’t help but follow him from Long Island to the bottom of the spacewalk practice pool, then 350 miles up and back. He’s a spaceman through and through; he tells how hard work can take you out of this world.”—Bill Nye, the Science Guy, CEO of the Planetary Society

“Massimino’s incredible journeys, filled with grit, courage, suspense, and thrills, are told with such candor and delight, that for a brief moment, I felt I’d finally made it to space too. Read this book and be inspired to reach for the impossible.” —Brian Greene, Columbia University, author of The Fabric of the Cosmos

“An engaging and uplifting memoir that’s sure to give readers a deeper appreciation for the U.S. space program and inspire some future astronauts.” —Publishers Weekly

About The Author

Mike Massimino

Mike Massimino had a fantastic career as a NASA astronaut, serving from 1996 to 2014. During his time at NASA, he participated in two space flights to the Hubble Space Telescope. Where he and his crew achieved impressive records for spacewalking time. Not only that, but he also made history by becoming the first person to send a tweet from space.

Spaceman Achievements

In addition to his achievements in space, Mike has made appearances in various forms of media. He portrayed himself in the popular CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory. He was also featured in the magnetic IMAX film Hubble 3D. Furthermore, he has been a frequent guest on television documentaries. The late-night talk shows, and news programs, showcased his expertise and experiences as an astronaut.

Education

Mike’s educational background is equally impressive. He holds degrees from both Columbia University and MIT, highlighting his dedication to academic excellence. Currently, he resides in New York City, where he serves as a professor at Columbia University. And guides as an advisor at the renowned Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. As an accomplished author, Mike has written two nonfiction books. Spaceman, which has editions for both adults and young readers, and Moonshot. A NASA Astronaut’s Guide to Achieving the Impossible. These books offer insights into his extraordinary journey and inspire those aspiring to reach for the stars.