Mike Mullane

Easton Press Mike Mullane books

Riding Rockets - Signed Limited Edition - 2009

Astronaut Mike Mullane

Mike Mullane, a pioneering astronaut and passionate advocate for space exploration, was born on September 10, 1945, in Wichita Falls, Texas. From a young age, Mullane was fascinated by the mysteries of the cosmos, dreaming of one day venturing beyond the confines of Earth's atmosphere. Mullane's journey to the stars began with his education at the United States Air Force Academy, where he graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Science. Following his commission in the U.S. Air Force, Mullane pursued advanced studies at the Air Force Institute of Technology, earning a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. In 1978, Mullane achieved his childhood dream when he was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate. Over the course of his distinguished career, he logged 356 hours in space during three Space Shuttle missions: STS-41-D in 1984, STS-27 in 1988, and STS-36 in 1990. Mullane's contributions to space exploration were marked by his technical expertise, leadership abilities, and unwavering dedication to the mission.

Beyond his achievements as an astronaut, Mullane is perhaps best known for his advocacy work promoting space exploration and safety. He has authored several books, including the critically acclaimed memoir Riding Rockets: The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut, in which he candidly shares his experiences and insights from his time in the astronaut corps. Mullane's commitment to space safety became even more pronounced following the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986, which claimed the lives of seven astronauts, including Mullane's close friend and fellow astronaut, Judy Resnik. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Mullane became a vocal advocate for improved safety protocols and a more robust safety culture within NASA.

Throughout his career, Mullane has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to space exploration and safety, including the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, the NASA Space Flight Medal, and induction into the International Space Hall of Fame. Today, Mike Mullane continues to inspire future generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts through his motivational speaking engagements, educational outreach efforts, and advocacy work. His unwavering passion for exploration, coupled with his commitment to safety and excellence, serves as a beacon of inspiration for all those who dare to dream of reaching new heights in space.