Ask the Astronaut: A Galaxy of Astonishing Answers to Your Questions on Spaceflight

by Tom Jones

Ever wondered what space is really like? In his 25 years of training for, flying in, consulting on, and writing and speaking about space, astronaut and spacewalker Tom Jones can answer that question and many others. What do you feel on liftoff? What is weightlessness? Where do you sleep in space? Can you see the Great Wall of China? Jones answers every question you have ever had about space in Ask the Astronaut. His characteristic blend of wit, personal experience, and technical expertise shines in each answer, and together all the answers illuminate the true space experience from start to finish. His engaging and informative responses remind readers of historic space achievements, acquaint them with exciting new ambitions, make them feel like they have experienced space firsthand, and even inspire them to want to explore space themselves. Jones covers everything from the training process for new astronaut candidates and the physical sensations and challenges of rocketing into orbit to what it's like to live, work, and walk in space. Jones also explores the future of spaceflight, both professional and commercial, in the years to come. Ask the Astronaut is a delight for all readers, especially "armchair astronauts" and young would-be space explorers.

Genres: Space, Science, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2016

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this memoir told Q and A style was great! I really don't know much about space/NASA at all, so this book was a terrific place to start. Good for all ages, truly--adults and kids alike would find this book a fun and interesting read. He answers people's questions about everything relating to being an astronaut, from how his interest in space started to launching to landing and everything in between. And now I want to read more about space!

[IULIA IRM · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Joy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because I've always followed the space program and wondered about what the astronauts do and what NASA is doing now! Like: Why don't we go to the moon again and then tackle Mars? Wouldn't that be a good jumping off point? Anyway, I enjoyed learning about NASA's plans for the future and why they closed down the shuttle program; and the information about the spacesuits is fascinating. OK, a diaper makes sense, and I see why they no longer eat inside a space suit .... I see that fitting space suits for shorter and taller astronauts isn't easy--and they can be uncomfortable. There is so much to learn. I found answers not only to my questions but things I had never thought about.

The background on rescuing astronauts and the cause of accidents over the years--and how they make changes to increase safety--is enlightening; and there are photos and illustrations that really enhance the book. This is educational and interesting and could encourage kids to follow Tom Jones; they'll find out how and why he became an astronaut. The book covers a lot of territory, and I learned so much about space, space stations, astronauts, cosmonauts, and more--and it's up-to-date. Recommended.

[Manulina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is so interesting!!!!! You can understand it without technical knowledge. It covers all kind of aspects.
I met the author at NASA visitoe center Florida. He is a very nice person.

[Julie Gayler · Rating 5 out of 5]

We had the pleasure of meeting Tom Jones in person at NASA, and so thankful we found his book! It was full of FACTUAL information — all the burning questions one might want to ask an astronaut!

My favorite part was the last chapters of the book discussing future possibility and technologies. It is clear the author has a passion for what education and support can accomplish in the future for the next generation of astronauts.

A must read for young and old who have a lot of questions about being an astronaut and a resource to find straightforward answers!

[Maggie Panning]

We did not finish this book. Not because we didn't like it, just because we liked other books better and found ourselves only 50 pages in when it was time to return it to the library. I do think there is some really interesting information in here and if we owned the book we would just pick it up now and then and I can see us checking this out again at a future date.

[Mike Roam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear answers to well-organized collection of frequent and good questions asked of astronauts. I’ll check out his memoir next!