Thomas D. Jones

Dr. Thomas D. Jones 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, 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.

Tom's latest book is Planetology (written with Ellen Stofan), a look at the solar system from National Geographic. His other 2008 book is Hell Hawks! The Untold Story of the American Fliers Who Savaged Hitler's Wehrmacht (with Robert F. Dorr; Zenith, 2008). The Wall Street Journal named Sky Walking: An Astronaut's Memoir, (Smithsonian Books-Collins, 2006) as one of its "Five Best" books on space. Tom writes frequently for Air & Space Smithsonian, Aerospace America, Popular Mechanics, and American Heritage.

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.

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 was awarded an honorary doctorate by Kings College, Wilkes-Barre, PA, in 2007.