What do you think?
Rate this book
Purdue Studies in Aeronautics and Astronautics
Spacewalker: My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA's Record-Setting Frequent Flyer
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.
Key Points:
· 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.
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.
Key Points:
· 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.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
19 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 23, 2015
Solid 4.5 stars. Still wish we had the half star option.
I have always been into the idea of space travel. I have loved sci-fi since I was a child and have always wanted mankind to have bases on the moon, Mars, etc. It's the new "Wild West". We've explored most of this beautiful planet that we call home. Time to start exploring what else is out there. See if we really are alone in the Universe or if the people claiming probing were right!
This book was easy to read. Despite being an astronaut and shot up into space more times than I ever will, he remains down to earth (har har, please pardon my pun) and tells the story of his life in a matter of fact and relaxed way. You can tell that since he was in the 4th grade, even younger, he just KNEW what he wanted to do with his life and that he loved every second of it. He didn't let it consume him though. He fell in love, got married, had a family, all while pursuing his dream and goal. He didn't let what he wanted to do prevent him from having a loving family and focusing on other important things as well.
I admit, I envy his knowing what he wanted to do from when he was a child. He didn't just expect it to be handed to him either. He figured out what he would need to know and do in order to reach his goal and he learned and did them. They don't make many men like him anymore.
I also like how he incorporated his belief in God and how he felt that God was leading him his entire life. Jerry Ross had a goal and he tried to listen to God every step of the way through his attempting to reach said goal. I agree with his belief that God and science aren't necessarily two sides of the same coin. They can co-exist. And honestly, if God created everything, then He created science too. :)
I also was somewhat surprised that Purdue University had so many graduates as astronauts. I have been to the campus (amazingly huge and gorgeous) once for a huge church youth triennium, but knew nothing about it as an institution. Apparently, they are mad good at teaching a lot of things. Then I saw who published this book and I admit it, I smiled. They're good at publishing too!
All in all, this was an amazing book that really brings the reader up close and personal with spaceflight and NASA. I was kind of saddened that he didn't work with my friend's father-in-law. It would have been neat to read this book and to see his name mentioned in it!
Great book. Enjoyable, fast read. I highly recommend it!
My thanks to NetGalley and Purdue University Press for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I have always been into the idea of space travel. I have loved sci-fi since I was a child and have always wanted mankind to have bases on the moon, Mars, etc. It's the new "Wild West". We've explored most of this beautiful planet that we call home. Time to start exploring what else is out there. See if we really are alone in the Universe or if the people claiming probing were right!
This book was easy to read. Despite being an astronaut and shot up into space more times than I ever will, he remains down to earth (har har, please pardon my pun) and tells the story of his life in a matter of fact and relaxed way. You can tell that since he was in the 4th grade, even younger, he just KNEW what he wanted to do with his life and that he loved every second of it. He didn't let it consume him though. He fell in love, got married, had a family, all while pursuing his dream and goal. He didn't let what he wanted to do prevent him from having a loving family and focusing on other important things as well.
I admit, I envy his knowing what he wanted to do from when he was a child. He didn't just expect it to be handed to him either. He figured out what he would need to know and do in order to reach his goal and he learned and did them. They don't make many men like him anymore.
I also like how he incorporated his belief in God and how he felt that God was leading him his entire life. Jerry Ross had a goal and he tried to listen to God every step of the way through his attempting to reach said goal. I agree with his belief that God and science aren't necessarily two sides of the same coin. They can co-exist. And honestly, if God created everything, then He created science too. :)
I also was somewhat surprised that Purdue University had so many graduates as astronauts. I have been to the campus (amazingly huge and gorgeous) once for a huge church youth triennium, but knew nothing about it as an institution. Apparently, they are mad good at teaching a lot of things. Then I saw who published this book and I admit it, I smiled. They're good at publishing too!
All in all, this was an amazing book that really brings the reader up close and personal with spaceflight and NASA. I was kind of saddened that he didn't work with my friend's father-in-law. It would have been neat to read this book and to see his name mentioned in it!
Great book. Enjoyable, fast read. I highly recommend it!
My thanks to NetGalley and Purdue University Press for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
July 8, 2013
Jerry Ross shares the all-time record for most times launched into space with seven. In this book, he details the perseverance by which he went from a young boy on a farm near Crown Point, Indiana to Earth orbit. He understood that he did not have to live the same kind of life that his parents or grandparents lived, given his intelligence and dream of pursuing a career in spaceflight. As a result, I see this as a classic American story.
January 14, 2014
I have read a number of astronaut autobiographies, and this is perhaps my favorite. It is very well written, provides an inside story to the inner workings of the space program, and is fairly introspective. Jerry Ross is a true American hero, yet obviously a very humble patriot to his country and the Space Program. I found it fairly engaging all the way through. Highly recommend it if you enjoy this genre.
March 28, 2013
Spacewalker: My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA's Record-Setting Frequent Flyer is a remarkable story demonstrating the importance of dreaming big dreams, setting goals and then working to achieve them. This is a story which young adults would enjoy. A great read.
September 30, 2013
A decent read, Jerry keeps it lively enough to keep you interested while going over his career. I'd recommend it to any space buff.
June 22, 2017
DISCLAIMER: Jerry Ross was very helpful to me as I researched my book, "Bringing Columbia Home."
Jerry Ross' "Spacewalker" is a fun read. Unlike many other ghostwritten astronaut autobiographies, this one comes across in the subject's own voice. Having met and talked with Jerry several times, I can attest that this book reads exactly like he talks. (And he told me that his wife Karen actually did most of the writing with him to ensure that his genuine voice came through.) I also appreciated the sidebar commentaries from Karen that are liberally sprinkled throughout the book. You feel like you're sitting in their kitchen, listening to Jerry tell stories while Karen and their son Scott occasionally chime in.
Ross has certainly seen it all. He missed the cut to be in the first group of Space Shuttle astronauts selected, but he was in the next group. He flew seven missions during his long career as an astronaut and conducted nine (maybe ten) spacewalks. (There is an unconfirmed rumor that Ross made an unplanned EVA during one of his classified DOD missions to repair a satellite. Since all of the mission's activities are still a military secret, no one can officially comment on that rumor.) He flew to the Soviet Mir space station and was involved in the first assembly spacewalks for the International Space Station. He would have been on the first shuttle flight out of Vandenberg Air Force Base in 1986, had that not been cancelled after the Challenger accident. All of his exploits on these missions are described in detail without becoming overly technical. You can tell that the work was incredibly challenging—and that he was having the time of his life.
Ross lost close friends when the shuttle Challenger was destroyed in 1986. He pulls no punches in expressing his dismay at the flawed management reviews that quashed the concerns of lower-level engineers. He was also one of the last people to see the crew of Columbia before their launch, and he would have been the first to welcome them home had that shuttle made it back safely in 2003. Ross then went on to run the effort to retrieve Columbia's debris from East Texas, in what became the largest search and recovery operation in US history.
Throughout it all, Ross' faith helped him maintain an even keel. You can see why his fellow astronauts saw him as the ideal crew member - smart, hard-working, self-effacing, always ready to help.
Highly recommended book by a man who deserves to be more of a household name!
Jerry Ross' "Spacewalker" is a fun read. Unlike many other ghostwritten astronaut autobiographies, this one comes across in the subject's own voice. Having met and talked with Jerry several times, I can attest that this book reads exactly like he talks. (And he told me that his wife Karen actually did most of the writing with him to ensure that his genuine voice came through.) I also appreciated the sidebar commentaries from Karen that are liberally sprinkled throughout the book. You feel like you're sitting in their kitchen, listening to Jerry tell stories while Karen and their son Scott occasionally chime in.
Ross has certainly seen it all. He missed the cut to be in the first group of Space Shuttle astronauts selected, but he was in the next group. He flew seven missions during his long career as an astronaut and conducted nine (maybe ten) spacewalks. (There is an unconfirmed rumor that Ross made an unplanned EVA during one of his classified DOD missions to repair a satellite. Since all of the mission's activities are still a military secret, no one can officially comment on that rumor.) He flew to the Soviet Mir space station and was involved in the first assembly spacewalks for the International Space Station. He would have been on the first shuttle flight out of Vandenberg Air Force Base in 1986, had that not been cancelled after the Challenger accident. All of his exploits on these missions are described in detail without becoming overly technical. You can tell that the work was incredibly challenging—and that he was having the time of his life.
Ross lost close friends when the shuttle Challenger was destroyed in 1986. He pulls no punches in expressing his dismay at the flawed management reviews that quashed the concerns of lower-level engineers. He was also one of the last people to see the crew of Columbia before their launch, and he would have been the first to welcome them home had that shuttle made it back safely in 2003. Ross then went on to run the effort to retrieve Columbia's debris from East Texas, in what became the largest search and recovery operation in US history.
Throughout it all, Ross' faith helped him maintain an even keel. You can see why his fellow astronauts saw him as the ideal crew member - smart, hard-working, self-effacing, always ready to help.
Highly recommended book by a man who deserves to be more of a household name!
June 15, 2021
I love this book! Jerry explains, in great detail, how NASA developed all things Shuttle and the beginnings of the ISS. His notes about the Challenger and Columbia crews were such a show of respect to them and their families. His addition of his immediate members' experiences were nice to read, as we got perspectives of our space program from their lives with Jerry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2022
We actually read this as a read aloud with school since we are studying space. Jerry Ross's wife is related to our family member distantly, so that was pretty cool to talk about too with my kids. I learned a lot about space and the space station, and my kids enjoyed the funny stories as well. :)
May 26, 2017
Inspiring and concise...impressed by his determination to follow his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut.
April 6, 2013
For those of us who grew up in the 'space age' with rockets and moon landings and space walks, it's hard to imagine a world where this no longer takes place. Unfortunately, with the current space policy, that is what is happening.
Books like this, Spacewalker, by and about our astronauts, are important historical records of a rare breed of explorers. Astronaut Jerry L. Ross was one of those fortunate explorer/adventurers.
Ross starts his book informing the reader that he had dreams of going to space at a very early age and that most of his life was spent with his goal of going to space in mind. He details what appears to be an honest account of what he sacrificed and missed out on in his single-focussed goal of being an astronaut; family life. Yet, probably due more to his wife's understanding and patience, he was able to retire from his career and still have a devoted family.
I found much of the first half of the book a bit slow and 'simple.' Too often I felt that the author (whether Jerry L. Ross or John Norberg I don't know) was talking down to the reader. Explaining simple facts in too much detail while missing out on some of the more opportune moments to give the reader a little insight. (And I think we get it... many astronauts came out of Purdue University ... I think we were told that many times.) I've seen other reviewers comment that the book has a very conversational tone, which is true, but I do feel it was conversational to a middle school student. This is not a bad thing. It IS our youth we need to get invested in the space program after all.
Once Ross gets to NASA and works with other astronauts, the book really picked up interest for me. I enjoyed seeing the 'back-end' of missions through the eyes of someone who was there. And when he gets the opportunity to fly himself, I didn't want to put the book down.
Experiencing lift-off, viewing the Earth from space, putting on a space-walking suit, working with tools wearing gloves that don't have a lot of flexibility, all through Ross's eyes was a delight. Even his part of the Shuttle Challenger disaster (his job was to be with the families of the people aboard the shuttle as it came back to Earth) was interesting to experience.
Despite what I felt was a slow, or simple start, I really enjoyed this refreshing and honest look at the space program from a man who was devoted both to the scientific cause of space exploration, and to his Christian faith -- two subjects that don't always seem to go together (or at least are not typically expressed together too often). I enjoyed it enough that once I was done reading my review copy, I purchased a hard-cover edition and gave it to my fifteen year old son who seems equally focussed on working for NASA and exploring Mars. I'm hoping that my son can see Ross's drive and apply some of his own toward his goals.
Thank you Jerry L. Ross for the work and the experience.
Books like this, Spacewalker, by and about our astronauts, are important historical records of a rare breed of explorers. Astronaut Jerry L. Ross was one of those fortunate explorer/adventurers.
Ross starts his book informing the reader that he had dreams of going to space at a very early age and that most of his life was spent with his goal of going to space in mind. He details what appears to be an honest account of what he sacrificed and missed out on in his single-focussed goal of being an astronaut; family life. Yet, probably due more to his wife's understanding and patience, he was able to retire from his career and still have a devoted family.
I found much of the first half of the book a bit slow and 'simple.' Too often I felt that the author (whether Jerry L. Ross or John Norberg I don't know) was talking down to the reader. Explaining simple facts in too much detail while missing out on some of the more opportune moments to give the reader a little insight. (And I think we get it... many astronauts came out of Purdue University ... I think we were told that many times.) I've seen other reviewers comment that the book has a very conversational tone, which is true, but I do feel it was conversational to a middle school student. This is not a bad thing. It IS our youth we need to get invested in the space program after all.
Once Ross gets to NASA and works with other astronauts, the book really picked up interest for me. I enjoyed seeing the 'back-end' of missions through the eyes of someone who was there. And when he gets the opportunity to fly himself, I didn't want to put the book down.
Experiencing lift-off, viewing the Earth from space, putting on a space-walking suit, working with tools wearing gloves that don't have a lot of flexibility, all through Ross's eyes was a delight. Even his part of the Shuttle Challenger disaster (his job was to be with the families of the people aboard the shuttle as it came back to Earth) was interesting to experience.
Despite what I felt was a slow, or simple start, I really enjoyed this refreshing and honest look at the space program from a man who was devoted both to the scientific cause of space exploration, and to his Christian faith -- two subjects that don't always seem to go together (or at least are not typically expressed together too often). I enjoyed it enough that once I was done reading my review copy, I purchased a hard-cover edition and gave it to my fifteen year old son who seems equally focussed on working for NASA and exploring Mars. I'm hoping that my son can see Ross's drive and apply some of his own toward his goals.
Thank you Jerry L. Ross for the work and the experience.
September 14, 2016
I really enjoyed “Spacewalker.” It serves both as a biography of Astronaut Jerry Ross’s life and a panoramic window into the space program. Jerry’s career with NASA seemed perfectly timed to encompass the entirety of the Shuttle program, so if you’re curious about any aspect of those years—including both the highs and the lows—then this book is for you.
“Spacewalker” is filled with anecdotes and details from throughout Jerry’s life. Fun things like why his sister won’t let him near her pets anymore, and why one should always check the parking brake—even in space. It also details his trips to Russia, China, and his many space missions. All are readily sharable tales, told from a perspective that I, being from the Midwest and having a technical background, can easily identify with.
The book also demonstrates a life well-lived. Though never preachy, Jerry makes no secret of his faith, or about God having directed his path. There is a message here that I think more people need: God promises straight paths and proper desires (and to fulfill those desires) to those that acknowledge Him. What better illustration could there be than a boy who dreamed of space before there were astronauts who ended up going to space more than anyone? A record seven times!
I also wanted to mention that I had the privilege of meeting Jerry at Kennedy Space Center (he happened to be there when I was visiting with my family) and he was as personable and approachable as he seems in the book. A great representative of the space program, and America.
I highly recommend “Spacewalker.” It is a great read.
“Spacewalker” is filled with anecdotes and details from throughout Jerry’s life. Fun things like why his sister won’t let him near her pets anymore, and why one should always check the parking brake—even in space. It also details his trips to Russia, China, and his many space missions. All are readily sharable tales, told from a perspective that I, being from the Midwest and having a technical background, can easily identify with.
The book also demonstrates a life well-lived. Though never preachy, Jerry makes no secret of his faith, or about God having directed his path. There is a message here that I think more people need: God promises straight paths and proper desires (and to fulfill those desires) to those that acknowledge Him. What better illustration could there be than a boy who dreamed of space before there were astronauts who ended up going to space more than anyone? A record seven times!
I also wanted to mention that I had the privilege of meeting Jerry at Kennedy Space Center (he happened to be there when I was visiting with my family) and he was as personable and approachable as he seems in the book. A great representative of the space program, and America.
I highly recommend “Spacewalker.” It is a great read.
July 18, 2014
SPACEWALKER. BY JERRY ROSS
All my life I have been besotted by the idea of space travel and so this book could have been written for me. However you don't have to be an addict to gain a great deal from this book.
Many people feel the space program was an enormous expense for what, but you have only to read about the thousands of spin off benefits to realise what is has done for mankind as well as opening up the solar system for us. Jerry Ross is typical of the astronauts, driven, dedicated, and totally absorbed with exploring the boundaries of our world. You will feel the excitement, the apprehension and wonder as he waits for launch and the thrill of space walking. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the great opportunities that NASA has opened up for us.
All my life I have been besotted by the idea of space travel and so this book could have been written for me. However you don't have to be an addict to gain a great deal from this book.
Many people feel the space program was an enormous expense for what, but you have only to read about the thousands of spin off benefits to realise what is has done for mankind as well as opening up the solar system for us. Jerry Ross is typical of the astronauts, driven, dedicated, and totally absorbed with exploring the boundaries of our world. You will feel the excitement, the apprehension and wonder as he waits for launch and the thrill of space walking. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the great opportunities that NASA has opened up for us.
February 12, 2017
I emailed the author...
"Thankyou so much for writing your story, Spacewalker.
As I read it, I felt like you were writing just to me. It is heart-warming journey from “small-town” to NASA, building the ISS, while keeping perspective on faith, family, country and friends.
I also enjoyed the brief additional short stories added by family & friends, which added warmth and fun to the book.
So I trust you’ll enjoy your travels (on the ground) in your retirement, and maybe you’ll even learn to swim!!
Thanks again for writing the book."
"Thankyou so much for writing your story, Spacewalker.
As I read it, I felt like you were writing just to me. It is heart-warming journey from “small-town” to NASA, building the ISS, while keeping perspective on faith, family, country and friends.
I also enjoyed the brief additional short stories added by family & friends, which added warmth and fun to the book.
So I trust you’ll enjoy your travels (on the ground) in your retirement, and maybe you’ll even learn to swim!!
Thanks again for writing the book."
February 17, 2013
I would like to thank NetGalley (Bookmasters, Inc.) for the opportunity to download a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I really liked it but recognize that this book may not appeal to a wide general audience. Recommended to someone that is very interested in space and the technical details behind spaceflight.
Full review at:
http://readingatrandom.blogspot.com/2...
Full review at:
http://readingatrandom.blogspot.com/2...
March 10, 2013
A wonderful read. Jerry Ross takes us on his well-planned journey to become an astronaut, then offers an inside look at training to become a space walker. His descriptions of lift-off, life on the shuttle, and hanging out in space are wonderful. If you are interested in the shuttle program - read this!
January 9, 2014
A gripping account of life in the Shuttle program from an engineer's perspective. The narrative can be precise and technical at times, but he does a great job of expressing what it is like to live and work in space. I've read several other astronauts books and this is right up there with the best.
February 16, 2014
A pretty great collection of stories of a 30+ year career in spaceflight, but I found in reflecting in a lot of his experiences, he only went skin deep. But maybe with seven shuttle flights and so many years supporting the program, he'd need multiple volumes to go through everything in detail.
January 10, 2020
Down-to-earth (pun intended), honest, sincere story of Jerry Ross's goal-driven experiences rising through the ranks to achieve his dream of flying in space, understanding that while it was his dream, God's will prevailed. Loved the descriptions of seeing the heavens from outer space!
December 21, 2014
An absolutely fantastic astronaut memoir.
April 13, 2015
I liked the science stuff, about nasa and the shuttle... Didn't care too much about the life and opinions stuff
June 23, 2016
Loved this book! What a journey it has been. I feel like I was along for the ride with Jerry through it all. Amazing!
Read
September 22, 2017DNF. Just didn't grab me, I'm afraid.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews