Thomas D. Jones

Biography

Thomas D. Jones, Ph.D. is a scientist, author, pilot, and former NASA astronaut. He holds a doctorate in planetary sciences, and in more than eleven years with NASA, flew on four space shuttle missions to Earth orbit. On his last flight in 2001, Dr. Jones led three spacewalks to install the centerpiece of the International Space Station, the American Destiny laboratory. He’s been privileged to spend fifty-three days working and living in space.

After graduation from the Air Force Academy, Tom piloted B-52D strategic bombers, studied asteroids for NASA, engineered intelligence-gathering systems for the CIA, and as a NASA contractor, developed advanced mission concepts to explore the solar system.

Tom writes frequently on space exploration and aviation history in magazines such as Air and Space Smithsonian, Aerospace America, Flight Journal, and World War II History. He is the co-author of two books for young adults. Mission: Earth (Scholastic, 1996) detailed his orbital experiences on two missions to take the pulse of the planet’s ecosystem, oceans, and geology. The Scholastic Encyclopedia of the United States at War (Scholastic, 1998) traced our nation’s path through conflict and peace to its place as the world’s lone superpower. A new edition covering the Iraq War is now in print. His current book, co-authored by Michael Benson, is The Complete Idiot’s Guide to NASA, (Alpha, 2002). Tom’s newest title is Sky Walking: An Astronaut’s Memoir, to be published in February 2006 by Smithsonian Books - Collins.

Dr. Jones’ awards include the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, four NASA Space Flight Medals, the NASA Exceptional Service Award, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, Phi Beta Kappa, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He is active in the current debate over the future direction of America’s space exploration program. Dr. Jones consults, writes, and speaks from the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C

Publications

A gripping first-hand account of life in space and the making of an astronaut. What is it like to fly the space shuttle and work on and in the International Space Station? Veteran NASA astronaut Tom Jones is uniquely qualified to give the details: he flew four shuttle missions and led three space walks to deliver the US Lab to the Station. From B-52 pilot during the Cold War, to a PhD in planetary science, to the unbelievable rigors of astronaut training, his career inevitably pointed him toward the space shuttle -- until the Challenger exploded. Jones's story is the first to candidly explain the impact of that 1986 tragedy and the loss seventeen years later of shuttle Columbia. He sought every challenge spaceflight handed him, but found himself wondering if the risks involved were worth the toll on his family. Liftoffs were especially tense (his mother, who refuses to even get on a plane, could not watch), but those four departures and his 53 days in space provided unforgettable adventures. Jones, a planetary scientist, explains the practical applications of many of the shuttle's research missions, and describes from a spacewalker’s viewpoint what it's like to work with the international crews building and living aboard the Space Station. Tom Jones returned from helping build that outpost to assess the impact of the 2003 Columbia tragedy, and prescribes a successful course for the U.S. in space. Stunning photographs, many taken in space, illustrate his amazing journey. 25 color photographs.

Titles

Living The Space Experience
Why We Explore
An Astronaut’s Experience on the Space Station
Leadership, Inspiration, Teamwork
Space and Spirituality
A New Century of Space Exploration
Personal Challenge and Achieving Success