Guests: Tom Jones, PhD, Veteran NASA Astronaut

On Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/astronauttomjones/

On Twitter | https://twitter.com/AstroTomJones

On Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/AstronautTomJones

Website | https://astronauttomjones.com/

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Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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This Episode’s Sponsors

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Episode Introduction

In this episode of the Audio Signals Podcast, host Marco Ciappelli sits down with astronaut Tom Jones to discuss the book, "Space Shuttle Stories: Firsthand Astronaut Accounts from All 135 Missions."

Jones shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes and personal experiences from various Shuttle missions. Starting with fond recollections of growing up near a rocket factory to competitive steps he took to become an astronaut, Jones reveals the rigorous process he faced to become part of NASA's elite group.

He reflects on the historical implications and lessons of the Space Shuttle program, providing both a nuanced and comprehensive look at a significant era in human space exploration.

As someone who was part of 4 missions, Jones sketches a vivid picture of the various challenges, exhilarations, and dangers that came with the job.

The episode closes with discussions about future space explorations and the importance of space learning for the next generation.

If you're a fan of space, exploration, or just love a good astronaut story – this is a conversation you wouldn't want to miss.

Be sure to enjoy it, share, and subscribe for many more conversation about Stories, Storytelling, and Storytellers.

About the Book

NASA's space shuttle was the world's first reusable spacecraft, accomplishing many firsts and inspiring generations across its 30-year lifespan as America's iconic spaceship. In Space Shuttle Stories, shuttle astronaut Tom Jones interviewed more than 130 fellow astronauts for personal vignettes from each mission, complemented by their written accounts for all 135 space shuttle missions, from Columbia's maiden flight in 1981 to the final launch of Atlantis in 2011. The book is a major contribution to the historical record of a momentous era of spaceflight.

Each mission profile includes:

An astronaut narrative that immerses the readers in their personal mission experience

Data about the mission, crew, launch, landing, duration, and highlights

Captivating photographs rarely seen by the public

The Space Shuttle program’s 6 orbiter vehicles (Enterprise, Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour) carried a total of 355 astronauts into orbit on 135 missions aimed at cutting-edge scientific research, satellite launch, retrieval and repair, collaborative work with the Russian Mir station, the launching and servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope, and the construction of the International Space Station. Space Shuttle Stories focuses on the lived, human experiences of larger-than-life space missions. It's a definitive oral history that captures the importance, wonder, and exhilaration of the Space Shuttle era.

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Resources

Space Shuttle Stories: Firsthand Astronaut Accounts from All 135 Missions: https://www.amazon.com/Space-Shuttle-Stories-%20Firsthand-Astronaut/dp/1588347540/%20ref=asc_df_1588347540?tag=bngsmtphsnus-%2020&linkCode=df0&hvadid=79852149837977&hvnetw=s%20&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=%20&hvtargid=pla-4583451683194311&psc=1

Smithsonian Books: https://www.smithsonianbooks.com/store/aviation-military-history/space-shuttle-stories-firsthand-astronaut-accounts-from-all-135-missions/

The Shuttle Astronauts Tell All: https://airandspace.si.edu/air-and-space-quarterly/fall-2023/shuttle-astronaut

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For more podcast stories from Audio Signals: https://www.itspmagazine.com/audio-signals

Watch the video version on-demand on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllQvnJ8eHUlVX8AuyhehtexA

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