SPACEWALKER: My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA’s Record-Setting Frequent Flyer

by Jerry L. Ross with John Norberg

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As a ten-year-old gazing up at the stars, Jerry Ross already knew that he wanted more than anything to journey into space. Not only did he achieve that dream, but he became one of the most-launched astronauts in history and a NASA veteran whose career has spanned the entire US Space Shuttle Program. Spacewalker: My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA’s Record-Setting Frequent Flyer takes a fresh look at the life of an American hero, the highs and lows of the Shuttle program, and the challenges of constructing the International Space Station.

While big questions hang over NASA’s post-shuttle future, Spacewalker provides an insider’s account of the entire shuttle program as well as a vision for space exploration:

• A firsthand chronicle of life in space from the first human to fly seven missions.
• The untold story of the building of the International Space Station — the most remarkable engineering project in human history.
• The future of manned space flight, as NASA shifts away from public funding to encourage more private investment and innovation.
• An inspirational story of a personal journey from rural Indiana to outer space, powered by a deep Christian faith.

Spacewalker launches January 31st, the 55^th anniversary of the launch of Explorer 1, America’s first satellite, and the day before the 10^th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy. Media are invited to a discussion and book signing at USS Intrepid Lutnick Theater on Thursday, January 31 at 7:00pm, where Ross will talk about his career with NASA. When disaster struck, Ross, who had been expected to welcome the Columbia crew home, was there instead to escort mourning families who lost their loved ones. Ross was also one of the leads of the recovery team. There is probably no one more knowledgeable about the Columbia tragedy, and some of the failures that led to both the Columbia and Challenger disasters.

For readers both young and old who have followed the space program from Mercury through the International Space Station and wonder what comes next, this book provides the ultimate inside story. Full of stories of spaceflight, adventures most humans could only dream of, and told with humor and honesty, Spacewalker presents a unique perspective on the hard work, determination, and faith necessary to travel beyond this world.

As well the hardback print edition, there will be an enhanced e-book / iPad app in collaboration with the Barron Hilton Flight and Space Exploration Archives at Purdue University, also the home of the papers of Neil Armstrong, Eugene Cernan, and other aviators and astronauts. The electronic version features behind-the-scenes videos and still images, with commentary from Ross. The iPad app also includes an interactive quiz and timeline.

Media are invited to a 7:00pm Discussion and Book Signing on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum’s Howard & Allison Lutnick Theater – 12^th Avenue at 46^th Street. Please RSVP as soon as possible to [e-mail], as space is limited. Ross will also be available for media interviews on Friday, February 1. To request an interview with Jerry Ross, contact Paul Sliker at [e-mail] or 401-413-6344.

Jerry 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. He is a veteran of seven US Space Shuttle missions and shares an individual world record for the most spaceflights flown. John Norberg is a writer based in West Lafayette, Indiana. He is an experienced journalist and the author of five previous books, including Wings of Their Dreams (2010) about the role of Purdue aviation pioneers in the history of flight and space.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR SPACEWALKER

“Spacewalker is the book for anyone who ever dreamed of flying in space.”
-NEIL ARMSTRONG, Commander of Apollo 11

“This is the story of one man’s lifelong quest to explore the unknown, overcome setbacks and obstacles, and keep the beacon of space shining in the hearts of all people, young and old. This book is about an American Dream.”
-EUGENE CERNAN, NASA Gemini and Apollo astronaut

“This book is the story of a common man from the Midwest who became an American hero… a model for the youth of our nation and for those who will accept the challenge to follow in his footsteps.”
-GENE KRANZ, NASA Flight Director for Gemini and Apollo 11 and 13

To speak with Jerry Ross, contact Paul Sliker of Publisez PR at [e-mail] or 401-413-6344.

Title: SPACEWALKER: My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA’s Record-Setting Frequent Flyer
Author: Jerry L. Ross and John Norberg
On-Sale Date: January 31, 2013
Price: $29.95
Pages: 298 with 41 color images
ISBN: 978-1-55753-631-0
Imprint: Purdue University Press