Space Shuttle Lecture and Book Signing with Four-Time NASA Shuttle Astronaut

PRESS RELEASE

Scientist, author, pilot and NASA astronaut Tom Jones will talk about all things space shuttle during a lecture and book signing on Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. A veteran of four shuttle missions himself, Jones interviewed more than 130 fellow astronauts for personal vignettes from each mission for his new book, Space Shuttle Stories: Firsthand Astronaut Accounts from All 135 Missions. Space Shuttle Stories also includes astronaut written accounts for each mission, from Columbia’s maiden flight in 1981 to the final launch of Atlantis in 2011.

The event is presented in conjunction with the Museum’s new Home Beyond Earth exhibition.

Astronaut Tom Jones

Thomas D. Jones, PhD, is a NASA astronaut, scientist, author, pilot and speaker. In more than eleven years with NASA he flew on four space shuttle missions to Earth orbit. In 2001, Dr. Jones led three spacewalks to install the centerpiece of the International Space Station, the American Destiny laboratory. He has spent fifty-three days working and living in space. A Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force Academy, Tom piloted B-52D strategic bombers, earned a doctorate in planetary sciences from the University of Arizona, studied asteroids and robotic exploration missions for NASA, and engineered intelligence-gathering systems for the CIA.

Jones is the author of seven space, aviation and history books: Ask the Astronaut, Planetology, (written with Ellen Stofan), Hell Hawks! The Untold Story of the American Fliers Who Savaged Hitler’s Wehrmacht (with Robert F. Dorr), and Sky Walking: An Astronaut’s Memoir. Sky Walking was named by the Wall Street Journal as one if its “Five Best” books on space. Dr. Jones’ NASA awards include the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, four NASA Space Flight Medals, the NASA Exceptional Service award, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, and the NASA Exceptional Public Service award. Asteroid 1082 TomJones is named in his honor. In 2018, Jones was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Tom served on the NASA Advisory Council and the boards of the Association of Space Explorers and the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. He consults on the future direction of human space exploration, uses of asteroid and space resources, and planetary defense.

Moreno Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

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