Zero Gravity: The Story of Astronaut Jeff Williams and His 534 Days in Space

by Chris Anderson

Foreword by John MacArthur

From the farm fields of Wisconsin to the edge of Earth’s atmosphere, Zero Gravity follows the remarkable journey of NASA astronaut Jeff Williams—a man whose path took him far from home, yet whose faith in God kept him grounded.

Spending 534 days in space across four missions, Williams not only broke records but captured stunning images of Earth—offering a powerful perspective on God’s handiwork in the universe and His love for humanity revealed in Christ.

This compelling biography reveals the grit it takes to graduate from West Point, endure test pilot school, and earn a place among the few who’ve traveled beyond Earth. Readers go behind the scenes of spacewalks, shuttle landings, and silent sunrises over Earth’s horizon. But more than that, we witness God’s work in transforming an ambitious, self-focused young man into a growing, devoted Christian, using each step of his journey for His glory.

More than a story of science and exploration, Zero Gravity is a portrait of the unshakable conviction that life—on or off this planet—is meant to be lived for our Creator.

278 pages, Paperback

Published August 19, 2025

About the author

Chris Anderson was named in April 2007 to the "Time 100," the newsmagazine's list of the 100 men and women whose power, talent or moral example is transforming the world. He is Editor-in-Chief of Wired magazine, a position he took in 2001, and he has led the magazine to six National Magazine Award nominations, winning the prestigious top prize for General Excellence in 2005 and 2007. He is the author of the New York Times best-seller The Long Tail, which is based on an influential 2004 article published in Wired, and runs a blog on the subject at www.thelongtail.com. Previously, he was at The Economist, where he served as US Business Editor, Asia Business Editor; and Technology Editor. He started The Economist's Internet coverage in 1994 and directed its initial web strategy. Anderson's media career began at the two premier science journals, Nature and Science, where he served in several editorial capacities. Prior to that he was a physics researcher at the Los Alamos National Lab."

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Chris Anderson wrote Theology that Sticks and Panosian among others. The Chris Anderson shown on GoodReads is the wrong author.

If you’ve followed the NASA space program for years like I have, you’ll find this comprehensive history through the eyes of one astronaut interesting. The sheer amount of preparation each astronaut engaged in amazed me. And it’s no wonder that Jeff’s faith grew through seeing creation from a unique vantage point. He’s now a pastor of a Russian congregation, and even that traces its history through to his life in the space program. This is an interesting biography.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Anderson expertly weaves Jeff's biography with relevant history of manned space exploration (both US and Russia) to bring together a great narrative of Jeff's amazing life and career. More than a list of facts, Anderson brings to life the thoughts and motivations for many of Jeff's decisions and brings insight into what Jeff sees as the meaning for these circumstances and events.

Jeff's faith journey is a significant part of his story as well, but this isn't just an add-on. His faith, his military career, his family, his astronaut career, and everything else are part of a single whole person, and Anderson helps us to see that these are not separate parts of Jeff's life, but simply different aspects to a fully integrated life.

The book is well-written and the subject is worthy of such a book.

[Andy Gleiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am biased to like this biography because I am personal friends with the author. But as the book unfolded, I kept finding myself wanting to read just one more chapter before I put it down. Jeff’s story is quite literally out of this world. After reading of the dedication and sacrifice he has joyfully endured to accomplish his dream and to advance humanity’s unquenched thirst for discovery, I feel as though I’ve accomplished nothing in my lifetime! The book is full of facts, technology, and fascinating NASA insights for anyone who desires to know what it’s like on the inside. For those who lived through the wonder of the Space Shuttle era (including the Challenger and Columbia tragedies) will recall their emotions of those days as they read about them again. I personally enjoyed reading from the safety of my chair what it is like to function in zero gravity, the toll it takes on the body, and the drive to do it all over again. But for me, I most enjoyed hearing the remarkable story of a man of faith living out his desire to make much of the Creator-Savior who graciously redeemed him and gave him a life worth living.

[Adam Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the last few years, I have enjoyed reading a variety of nonfiction books on America’s journey into space. This one is added to that list. Chris is a master storyteller and writes in a way that both young and old can appreciate. The story of Jeff Williams is an incredible story of grace, and as a Christian his story is one that encourages, convicts, and points to Christ! For those who love American history, discovery, and a story of how Christ works through broken sinners lives. This story is for you.

[EasyModePro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, might have been my expectations but felt it wasn’t as strong on his faith journey as I was expecting from the quotes on the cover. It definitely focused more on the career. That being said it was an enjoyable read that wasn’t left on the counter too long before reading another chapter.