Sky Walking

Archival Summary & Scope

Veteran NASA astronaut Tom Jones delivers a candid first-hand account of his career, from Cold War B-52 pilot to planetary scientist to his four Space Shuttle missions and three spacewalks at the International Space Station. Jones vividly describes the rigorous astronaut training, the challenges of flying the shuttle, and the experience of working aboard the ISS. He uniquely reveals the profound personal and professional hardships faced by astronauts in the wake of the 1986 Challenger disaster, and later reflects on the 2003 Columbia tragedy, offering a vision for the future of U.S. space exploration. Blending scientific insight with deeply personal reflections on risk and family, this memoir provides an unforgettable look at human spaceflight, complemented by stunning photographs from his 53 days in orbit.