Riding Rockets

The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut

By: Mike Mullane

Narrated by: Joel Richards

Length: 18 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1978, the first group of space shuttle astronauts was introduced to the world - 29 men and six women who would carry NASA through the most tumultuous years of the space shuttle program. Among them was USAF Colonel Mike Mullane, who, in his memoir Riding Rockets, strips the heroic veneer from the astronaut corps and paints them as they are - human.

Mullane's tales of arrested development among military flyboys working with feminist pioneers and post-doc scientists are sometimes bawdy, often comical, and always entertaining. He vividly portrays every aspect of the astronaut experience, from telling a female technician which urine-collection condom size is a fit to hearing "Taps" played over a friend's grave. He is also brutally honest in his criticism of a NASA leadership whose bungling would precipitate the Challenger disaster - killing four members of his group. A hilarious, heartfelt story of life in all its fateful uncertainty, Riding Rockets will resonate long after the call of "Wheel stop".

©2006 Mike Mullane (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A thoroughly absorbing story.... A strong addition to science and space collections of any size." ( Booklist)

Best "Astronauts of the 80s" Memoir"

I read "Riding Rockets" as an ebook several months ago, having given up on it coming out on Audible. Thus I was *thrilled* when, by chance, I found it available after Christmas, and bought it immediately. It's well-written, informative, interesting, infuriating, heart-breaking, and hilarious. I had tears in my eyes several times, both from sorrow and from laughing so hard I was literally crying. I love, love, love this book!

Almost any fan of NASA and space history will enjoy this book. One caveat: I would rate this book as PG-13. Mike was a military pilot from "Planet AD" (Arrested Development). His sense of humour is rather gutter-bound. I liked it, but my sense of humour is pretty base as well. He also recognises that this was decades ago and what was okay then is not so now. In any case, the book is probably not suitable for most kids under ~14 or anyone with...delicate...sensibilities. If dick jokes offend you, I'd strongly advise skipping this book and picking up Clayton Anderson's "Ordinary Spaceman".

(I'd also strongly recommend reading "Spaceman" by Mike Massimino. It is an amazing, wonderful, informative, interesting, and brilliant book. I can't come up with enough superlatives to describe his book. I can say that every person I've recommended, or given, it to - at least twenty - has loved it, and that reading it will make you want to be a better person.)

Fantastic!

One of my favorites. Humorous and real life perspective from one of Americas beloved heroes!

Couldn’t put it down!

For anyone who is interested in space and the golden age of the space shuttle program you cannot skip out on this one. I only wish It was longer! I just got done listening to it and I immediately want to start it over again. Thanks Mike Mullane for sharing this gem with us.

Incredible book

I absolutely loved this book. I will read it again. Highly recommend it to every space nut out there!

excellent story and details l

I've been binge listening to astronaut books. this one had a lot of interesting details of some of the drama within nasa management. criticisms were effective and showing how not everything at nasa was not always a pale of kittens while keeping it tasteful and respectful. I enjoyed this different look into everyday life.

Fantastic read

What a story! It’s incredible to listen to the path of Mike’s life and role he played in the NASA space program. He had a great sense of humor and unless enthusiasm in telling his life story. Highly Recommend.

Outstanding!

5 stars all around! Mike Mullane tells his story in a very unassuming and entertaining way. As an F4 WSO, from planet AD (Arrested Development) as Mike describes it, he has the funniest stories. I laughed my way through the book. That is until it got serious. And then he was back to his planet AD self describing how Barbara Bush grabbed his @$$!

Amazing!!

I love this book!! A must read for anyone who has dreamt of being an astronaut.

Candid and Descriptive

There are moments in this book where it feels like you’re strapping in with Col. Mullane. He’s a great storyteller and delights in sharing his experiences, but never taking himself too seriously.

An unfiltered Asfronaut story- highly recommended!

I've read many astronaut recounts and memoirs, but Mike Mullane writes, and Joel Richards performs, the most unvarnished account. It is fascinating reading because of that and because of the subject matter. Particularly captivating is the author's credit to his parents and wife in helping him become who he is. I'm pleased to highly recommed the book and audio performance!