Chasing Space

An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances

By: Leland Melvin

Narrated by: Ron Butler

In this moving, inspirational memoir, a former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver shares his personal journey from the gridiron to the stars, examining the intersecting roles of community, perseverance and grace that align to create the opportunities for success.

Leland Melvin is the only person in human history to catch a pass in the National Football League and in space. Though his path from the gridiron to the heavens was riddled with setbacks and injury, Leland persevered to reach the stars.

While training with NASA, Melvin suffered a severe injury that left him deaf. Leland was relegated to earthbound assignments, but chose to remain and support his astronaut family. His loyalty paid off. Recovering partial hearing, he earned his eligibility for space travel. He served as mission specialist for two flights aboard the shuttle Atlantis, working on the International Space Station.

In this inspirational memoir, the former NASA astronaut and professional athlete offers an examination of the intersecting role of community, perseverance, and grace that align to shape our opportunities and outcomes. Chasing Space is not the story of one man, but the story of many men, women, scientists, and mentors who helped him defy the odds and live out an uncommon destiny.

As a chemist, athlete, engineer and space traveler, Leland’s life story is a study in the science of achievement. His personal insights illuminate how grit and grace, are the keys to overcoming adversity and rising to success.

A Must Listen to for any Space Enthusiast!

Leland Melvin is not your typical astronaut. And that makes his story all the more inspiring and interesting.

I had heard of Leland before and even worked at NASA during part of his tenure but I had no idea of his incredible background. Leland tells not just the good but the not so good parts of his personal and professional life. His grit and determination show how hard work and the refusal to give up can help anyone to succeed.

His willingness to address his sexual assault as a young child and instances of racial prejudice shows the worst of humanity. The way he dealt with every challenge and completely rose above it all gives humanity its greatest hope. Despite all our imperfections as humans, there are, and will always be good people, to keep pushing us forward for the better of all.

I just wish he had recorded his own audio! The narrator was good but it would have been nice to hear his own story in his own voice.

Great name

I really like the name Leland. 10/10. It’s really strong, not surprising he achieved so much. More people should be named Leland

Excellent

Excellent life story of an exceptional human being. There’s a children’s edition too that contains pictures and experiments to do at home.

Not your usual astronaut memoir!

Melvin tells a real life and compelling tale that many will be able to identify with. the story is well told, fascinating, and well performed. A great read that I highly recommend.

Excellent story about overcoming race

Loved the story, very relatable and well written. Narrator did great and was easy to listen to