RSS
Thomas D. Jones
Thomas D. Jones, Ph.D. is a scientist, author, pilot, and former NASA astronaut. He holds a doctorate in planetary sciences, and in more than eleven years with NASA, flew on four space shuttle missions to Earth orbit. On his last flight in 2001, Dr. Jones led three spacewalks to install the centerpiece of the International Space Station, the American Destiny laboratory. He's been privileged to spend fifty-three days working and living in space.
After graduation from the Air Force Academy, Tom piloted B-52D strategic bombers, studied asteroids for NASA, engineered intelligence-gathering systems for the CIA, and as a NASA contractor, developed advanced mission concepts to explore the solar system.
Tom writes frequently on space exploration and aviation history in magazines such as Air and Space Smithsonian, Aerospace America, Flight Journal, and World War II History. He is the co-author of two books for young adults. Mission: Earth (Scholastic, 1996) detailed his orbital experiences on two missions to take the pulse of the planet's ecosystem, oceans, and geology. The Scholastic Encyclopedia of the United States at War (Scholastic, 1998) traced our nation's path through conflict and peace to its place as the world's lone superpower. A new edition covering the Iraq War is now in print. His current book, co-authored by Michael Benson, is The Complete Idiot's Guide to NASA, (Alpha, 2002). Tom's newest title is Sky Walking: An Astronaut's Memoir, to be published in February 2006 by Smithsonian Books - Collins.
Dr. Jones' awards include the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, four NASA Space Flight Medals, the NASA Exceptional Service Award, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, Phi Beta Kappa, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He is active in the current debate over the future direction of America's space exploration program. Dr. Jones consults, writes, and speaks from the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.