Do Your Ears Pop in Space?: And 500 Other Surprising Questions about Space Travel

I bought this book at the Kennedy Space Center Space Store and at first thought the cover and title looked sort of juvenile. However, once I started reading it I couldn't put it down! Mullane answers so many questions I didn't even think to ask and answered questions I had in my mind while touring NASA. This book enriched my NASA experience and I feel so much more knowledgeable about what astronauts experience. His writing style is as lighthearted and accessible as it is thorough. From explaining how astronauts have to work the toilet system on shuttles to how they are chosen to be an astronauts to facts about the Challenger tragedy, the simple question/answer format makes it fast reading and easy to go back and peruse. Published in 1997, I wish Mullane would update it and add more, but this is such a good introduction to the whole shuttle experience, I won't complain. In fact, this book has given me a better understanding of the current spacewalks on the space station and the Cassini spacecraft that just reached Saturn's orbit. I can easily see how this book could be very inspirational for a wanna-be or don't-yet-know-they-wanna-be astronaut, as well.It's always more fun hearing about space from an astronaut who's been there and especially one who includes a picture of himself in a "urine collection device." I guarantee you'll be glad for reading this one.

Three times Space Shuttle Astronaut R. Mike Mullane answers 500 questions regarding space traveling and life onboard the Space Shuttle. From the technical ones [Shuttle weight or the gravity escape velocity] to very simple questions [Do yor ears pop in space? or Have you seen any ufo's?] this book is a delight for anyone interested in knowing more about the current state of space exploration and shuttle manned missions. The format of the book is quite simple: A question in bold lettering followed by a simple, yet intelligent and informative answer. Topics covered range from Take off, reentering the atmosphere, life onboard the ship to some tips for becoming an astronaut. Some black and white pictures and illustrations make the book a little more atractive. The author also provides the reader with many email addresses throughout the book in order to contact him or other astronauts or space program workers. Once you star reading this book, you won't be able to put it down! A must for space enthusiasts, and if you want to know the answer to the title question, you'll have to get the book...

THIS BOOK ROCKS! This book explains so much about space travel and astronauts! It's all done in a humourus but very informational way. This book is for all space buffs! One of the reasons that it is so good is that it is written by a real astronaut, someone that has experianced space-travel first hand. IT'S A GREAT BOOK! NOW I REALLY WANT TO BECOME AN ASTRONAUT!!!!!!

I read nearly the whole book the first time I picked it up. Mullane tells it like it is, in a straightforward and honest manner. The back cover is full of testimonials from astronauts and other persons involved in the space program. James Lovell, Commander of Apollo 13, writes, "This book has to be on the shelf of every space buff." I agree!

Is a great book. Mike Mullane has answered the most common questions about space travel in such a way that you become addicted to the book. Tells you how and why things are done in a perspective that you do not need to be a rocket scientist to understand. If you love space, buy the book.