The Ordinary Spaceman

ISBN-10: 0803262825
ISBN-13: 978-0803262829
AUTHOR: Clayton C. Anderson
PAGES: 400
FORMAT:

Step into the flight suit of U.S. astronaut Clayton C. Anderson with "The Ordinary Spaceman" as it embarks on the remarkable journey of a small-town Nebraskan boy who defied all odds to spend 167 days aboard the International Space Station, including close to forty hours of awe-inspiring spacewalks. Anderson's journey, from his unwavering perseverance through fifteen NASA applications to his eventual selection as an astronaut, offers an unparalleled perspective on the life of a seasoned spacefarer, characterized by humility and determination.

This enthralling account encompasses the entire spectrum of Anderson's astronaut life: the arduous application process, the exhilarating launch aboard the space shuttle Atlantis, and even serving as a family escort for the Columbia crew in 2003. Amidst these breathtaking highs, Anderson candidly shares his daily struggles—grappling with family separation, the relentless competition for coveted flight assignments, the pressure of being in the public eye, and the ever-present specter of the ultimate sacrifice.

"The Ordinary Spaceman" expertly combines humor and gravitas to provide an authentic, unvarnished portrayal of the triumphs and tragedies, the highs and lows that define the life of a NASA astronaut.