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's been privileged to spend fifty-three days working and living in space.

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.

Tom has written for Air and Space Smithsonian, Aerospace America, Popular Mechanics, and American Heritage magazines. He is the co-author of two books for young adults. Mission: Earth (Scholastic, 1996) detailed his orbital experiences on two missions to take the pulse of the planet's ecosystem, oceans, and geology. The Scholastic Encyclopedia of the United States at War (Scholastic, 1998) traced our nation's path through conflict and peace to its place as the world's lone superpower. Both books were written with June A. English. He co-authored with Michael Benson The Complete Idiot's Guide to NASA, (Alpha, 2002). Sky Walking: An Astronaut's Memoir, (Smithsonian Books-Collins, 2006) was named one of its "Five Best" books on space by the Wall Street Journal. Tom's newest title is Hell Hawks! The Untold Story of the American Fliers Who Savaged Hitler's Wehrmacht (with Robert F. Dorr; Zenith, 2008).

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.

Tom is a member of the NASA Advisory Council. He is currently active in the debate over our nation's future space exploration policy. He consults, writes, and speaks from Houston, Texas.

Updated August 2008.

Above: Tom Jones on the middeck of the space shuttle trainer, Johnson Space Center, Texas, during December 2000 egress training for STS-98