Spaceman

Spaceman chronicles Mike Massimino's path from a working-class kid in Long Island to becoming a NASA astronaut who flew multiple Space Shuttle missions. The memoir follows his education, training, and career trajectory through the space program. The book provides details about astronaut selection, the physical challenges of spaceflight, and the complex technical work involved in servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Massimino recounts the intense preparation required for spacewalks and describes the experience of viewing Earth from orbit. NASA culture and the close bonds between astronauts feature prominently throughout the narrative. The text includes insights into how crews work together and support each other through both triumphs and tragedies. The memoir examines themes of perseverance, teamwork, and the human drive to explore beyond Earth's boundaries. Through Massimino's experiences, the book illustrates how ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary achievements through dedication and collaboration.

Readers connect with Massimino's down-to-earth personality and his detailed accounts of becoming an astronaut through persistence. Multiple reviewers note his humility and sense of humor throughout the narrative. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of technical concepts - Personal stories about family life and NASA training - Behind-the-scenes details of Hubble repair missions - The author's optimistic attitude and determination What readers disliked: - Some repetition of anecdotes - Early chapters move slowly for some readers - A few reviewers wanted more technical depth Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.33/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.7/5 (140+ ratings) Sample review quote: "Massimino brings you into the astronaut world like you're having a conversation with him over coffee." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers mention buying additional copies as gifts for students interested in STEM careers.

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🚀 Mike Massimino became the first person to tweet from space during his final mission aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2009. 🛠️ During the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission, Massimino had to remove a handrail using brute force when a bolt wouldn't budge - a moment that could have damaged the telescope irreparably. 👨‍🚀 Before becoming an astronaut, Massimino was rejected by NASA three times but persisted until he was finally accepted on his fourth attempt. 🎓 He is now a professor at Columbia University's School of Engineering, the same institution where he earned his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. 🎬 Massimino has played himself in several episodes of the hit TV show "The Big Bang Theory," making him one of the few real astronauts to appear regularly in a sitcom.