Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story Of Grit, Grace, And Second Chances ~UPD~
Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances
Have you ever dreamed of becoming an astronaut? Have you ever wondered what it takes to chase space and explore the final frontier? If so, you might be interested in reading the memoir of Leland Melvin, a former NASA astronaut who overcame many challenges and obstacles in his life to achieve his dream of chasing space.
Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances
In his book, Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances, Melvin shares his inspiring and uplifting story of how he went from being a football player to an engineer to an astronaut. He also reveals how he dealt with setbacks, failures, and tragedies along the way, such as losing his hearing temporarily, being cut from the NFL, and losing his best friend in the Columbia shuttle disaster.
Melvin's memoir is not only a fascinating account of his journey to space, but also a testament to his resilience, perseverance, and faith. He shows how he used his grit, grace, and second chances to overcome adversity and find his purpose in life. He also offers valuable lessons and insights for anyone who wants to pursue their passion and chase their dreams.
How Melvin Became an Astronaut
Melvin's path to becoming an astronaut was not a straight one. He had always been interested in science and engineering, but he also had a talent for football. He played as a wide receiver at the University of Richmond and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1986. However, his football career was cut short by a hamstring injury that prevented him from playing in the NFL.
Instead of giving up on his dreams, Melvin decided to pursue his other passion: engineering. He earned his master's degree in materials science engineering from the University of Virginia and joined NASA as a research engineer in 1989. He worked on various projects, such as developing optical fiber sensors and high-speed laser imaging systems.
In 1998, Melvin was selected as an astronaut candidate and began his training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. He learned how to operate the space shuttle, conduct spacewalks, and perform experiments in microgravity. He also became friends with his fellow astronauts, especially David Brown, who shared his love of photography and music.
How Melvin Chased Space
Melvin's first opportunity to chase space came in 2008, when he was assigned to the STS-122 mission aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. The mission's main objective was to deliver and install the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory module to the International Space Station (ISS). Melvin was responsible for operating the robotic arm that would attach the module to the station.
However, just days before the launch, Melvin suffered a serious ear injury during a routine training exercise in a pressure chamber. He experienced severe pain and vertigo and lost his hearing temporarily. He feared that he would be grounded and miss his chance to go to space. Fortunately, he recovered quickly and was cleared to fly by the flight surgeons.
Melvin's first flight to space was a success. He spent 13 days in orbit, during which he operated the robotic arm, conducted scientific experiments, and enjoyed the view of Earth from the window. He also took some memorable photos with his crewmates, including one with his two dogs that he smuggled into his official portrait.
How Melvin Faced Tragedy
Melvin's second flight to space was in 2009, when he joined the STS-129 mission aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. The mission's main objective was to deliver and install two spare parts platforms to the ISS. Melvin was again responsible for operating the robotic arm, as well as transferring cargo and equipment between the shuttle and the station.
However, this flight was also marked by a tragic event that shook Melvin and the entire NASA community. On February 1, 2003, just six years before Melvin's second flight, the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry, killing all seven crew members on board. One of them was Melvin's close friend and fellow astronaut David Brown.
Melvin was devastated by the loss of his friend and colleague. He felt guilty for surviving while Brown perished. He also questioned his faith and his purpose in life. He struggled to cope with his grief and depression for a long time. He eventually found solace in music, photography, and education. He also dedicated his second flight to Brown's memory and honored him by playing his saxophone in space.
How Melvin Found His Purpose
After his second flight to space, Melvin decided to retire from NASA and pursue other endeavors. He became an advocate for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, especially for underrepresented and disadvantaged students. He also wrote his memoir, Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances, to share his experiences and lessons with the world.
Melvin's memoir is more than just a chronicle of his adventures in space. It is also a reflection of his journey of self-discovery and personal growth. He shows how he used his grit, grace, and second chances to overcome adversity and find his purpose in life. He also offers valuable lessons and insights for anyone who wants to pursue their passion and chase their dreams. d282676c82