Spaceman is a highly inspirational story of Mike Massimino. He gives a detailed account of his journey to become an astronaut. From his first desire to reach the space when he was 9, he depicts every step that contributed in moulding him and his desire to become an astronaut.
The book shows us the step by steps procedure undertaken to avail admission to NASA. The fact that Mike was an ordinary student makes the book appealing to the a masses of aspiring astronauts. His life in MIT as well as Douglas shows the reality in its peak.
Readers get to know the dos and donts, when they try to get into NASA.
The books gives a valid message about determination. With a focussed approach, Mike accomplished his dreams. Importance of mock interviews, how to put references, how to get past the medical etc are portrayed seamlessly.
A major obstacle he faced was the eye power. The method he used to rectify it can be used by his followers. Another USP of the book is the anecdotes on how he prepared for the interview.
The incident with Mike’s father proves the camaraderie between astronauts. In a profession where team work is inevitable, the cooperation shown by his colleagues proves the effectiveness of the training they receive. His experiences at the cold lake is equally enchanting and petrifying.
The movie right stuff has influenced the author so much that he mentions the similar scenes of the movie in his real life.
My verdict:- A perfect book to be in the collection of aspiring astronauts.Inspirational
About the author
Mike Massimino served as a NASA Astronaut from 1996 until 2014 and flew in space twice: STS-109 on space shuttle Columbia in March 2002 and STS-125 on space shuttle Atlantis in May 2009 – the final two Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions. Mike became the first human to tweet from space, was the last human to work inside of Hubble, and set a team record with his crewmates for the most cumulative spacewalking time in a single space shuttle mission. Mike has a recurring role as himself on The Big Bang Theory; appears regularly on late night talk shows, news programs, and documentaries; and is a much sought after inspirational speaker. He received his BS from the Columbia University School of Engineering, and his two MS’s and Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He currently lives in New York City where he is an engineering professor at Columbia and an advisor at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum.
Author’s website :- http://www.mikemassimino.com
