Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances by Leland D. Melvin

Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances, written by Leland D. Melvin, is a powerful memoir about overcoming the odds and reaching for our dreams.

Melvin recounts his unlikely path to space travel with vivid detail and overflowing emotion. Starting out as the son of an industrial painter, Melvin worked hard to achieve academic and life success. After two near-death experiences, Melvin was determined to make something of his life and put himself on a trajectory toward his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut.

Throughout his journey, Melvin encountered setbacks and discrimination due to his race and gender. He never lost sight of his goals and turned every challenge into a stirring opportunity. Chasing Space is an inspirational tale of passion and resilience.

Leaving high school, Melvin applied to the University of Richmond, where he excelled and was presented with an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in engineering at Syracuse University. During his studies, Melvin landed a job at NASA and soon became a space program analyst.

Melvin worked on various projects with the space shuttle program and completed a hazardous materials training course in California before being selected to the astronaut candidate program in 1998. His initial space shuttling mission never made it off the launch pad, due to a faulty component.

Devastated, Melvin continued his work with astronauts and mission controllers, and in 2006, he realized his lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. During his 11-day mission, Melvin conducted four spacewalks and contributed to a variety of experiments.

Unfortunately, after his mission, Melvin was forced to leave NASA due to a sudden hearing loss. This loss brought depression, but Melvin urged himself to remain positive and to understand that no matter our circumstances, we can always strive for success.

Melvin redirects his career to education and public service, becoming an ambassador for NASA and the US Department of Education. Today he works to encourage young people of color to pursue STEM fields and work for NASA.

Melvin’s memoir is an inspiring account of the power of hard work, resilience, and determination. Chasing Space is a remarkable account of overcoming adversity and reaching for our dreams. Melvin’s story is an unforgettable and life-affirming journey.