Summary
"Riding Rockets: The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut" is a captivating and candid memoir by former NASA astronaut R. Mike Mullane, chronicling his journey from childhood dreams of spaceflight to the realities of life as a mission specialist in the Space Shuttle program. Mullane paints a vivid picture of his early years, marked by a love for adventure, inspired by his father's exaggerated war stories and fueled by family camping trips into the American West. Polio's impact on his family when his father is diagnosed with it, deeply affected him and his siblings.The book details Mullane's relentless pursuit of his dream to become an astronaut and is interspersed with humorous anecdotes and personal reflections.
The narrative candidly describes the rigorous astronaut selection process, revealing the physical and psychological examinations Mullane endured, highlighting his anxieties and insecurities amidst a pool of exceptionally qualified candidates. It delves into the technical aspects of the Space Shuttle, discussing the risks associated with its design, including the lack of an in-flight escape system and the dangers of solid rocket boosters. Mullane doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges of integrating with a diverse group of astronauts, including the first women in space, and the adjustments he had to make to overcome his own 'arrested development' and preconceived notions.
As the story progresses, Mullane recounts the intensive training, the harrowing near-misses, and the unique camaraderie that developed among the astronaut corps. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at NASA during its post-Apollo era, marked by budget cuts, shifting priorities, and the pressure to maintain a high flight rate. He describes the joys and terrors of his first spaceflight, STS-41D, and his subsequent missions, grappling with the inherent dangers of space travel, the limitations of the shuttle program, and its impact on those involved. There is a significant emphasis on the tragic Challenger explosion and its impact on the Astronaut corps.
Ultimately, "Riding Rockets" is a compelling account of one man's pursuit of a lifelong dream, set against the backdrop of one of humanity's most ambitious endeavors. Mullane is often humorous and self-deprecating. It is a testament to the courage, dedication, and occasional absurdity that characterized the Space Shuttle program and the individuals who dared to ride rockets into the unknown.