Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances [Paperback]

In this revelatory and moving memoir of perseverance, 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 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 on two space shuttle program flights aboard the shuttleAtlantis, working on the International Space Station.

In this uplifting memoir, the former NASA astronaut and professional athlete offers an examination of the intersecting role of community, determination, and grace that align to shape our opportunities and outcomes.Chasing Spaceis 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, Lelands life story, a powerful space exploration biography, 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.

In this unforgettable memoir, discover the story of a man who refused to give up:

• From the NFL to NASA:Leland Melvin is the only person in history to catch an NFL pass and a pass in orbit, a journey that required trading his cleats for the rigors of astronaut training.
• Overcoming Adversity:After a severe training accident left him deaf, lÎ