Thomas David Jones, American captain, pilot, and astronaut

Who is Dr. Thomas David Jones?

Dr. Thomas David Jones, born on January 22, 1955, is a distinguished American aerospace engineer, planetary scientist, and a former NASA astronaut. He is renowned for his significant contributions to space exploration, including four Space Shuttle missions, three challenging spacewalks, and his ongoing work in science communication and space advocacy. His career spans from military service and scientific research to pioneering roles aboard the Space Shuttle, and subsequently, impactful post-NASA endeavors that continue to shape public understanding of space.

Path to NASA's Astronaut Corps

Dr. Jones's journey to becoming an astronaut was underpinned by a robust academic foundation and dedicated military service. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1977, followed by a Ph.D. in Planetary Science from the University of Arizona in 1988. Prior to his selection by NASA, he served as a pilot and flight instructor in the U.S. Air Force and conducted advanced research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory, focusing on space applications. He was formally selected by NASA to join the elite astronaut corps in January 1990 as a member of Astronaut Group 13, a highly experienced class known as "The Snorkels."

A Veteran of Four Space Shuttle Missions

During his tenure with NASA, which culminated with his retirement from the agency in 2001, Dr. Jones completed an impressive four Space Shuttle flights, accumulating a total of 53 days and 48 minutes in orbit. Each mission contributed valuable scientific data and advanced humanity's understanding of Earth and the cosmos.

• STS-59 (Space Radar Laboratory-1) - April 9-20, 1994: Aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, Dr. Jones served as a Mission Specialist on this flight. The primary objective was to use the Space Radar Laboratory (SRL-1) to conduct extensive radar imaging of Earth's surface. This mission provided unprecedented detailed information on geology, hydrology, environmental changes, and oceanography, aiding scientists in better understanding our planet's complex, interconnected systems.
• STS-68 (Space Radar Laboratory-2) - September 30 - October 11, 1994: Just five months after his first flight, Dr. Jones returned to space on Endeavour for the second SRL mission. STS-68 was a critical follow-up to STS-59, building upon the initial data collected. This mission continued the comprehensive mapping of Earth's surface and atmosphere using advanced radar technology, furthering research in environmental science, disaster monitoring, and cartography.
• STS-80 (Wake Shield Facility-3) - November 19 - December 7, 1996: Aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, Dr. Jones participated in the longest Space Shuttle mission to date, lasting nearly 18 days. As a Mission Specialist, he played a crucial role in deploying and retrieving the Wake Shield Facility (WSF-3), an experimental platform designed to create an ultra-vacuum environment in orbit for growing advanced thin film materials. The mission also deployed and retrieved the ORFEUS-SPAS satellite, an orbiting observatory for ultraviolet astronomy, providing new insights into the universe's composition.
• STS-98 (International Space Station Assembly Flight 5A) - February 7-20, 2001: This mission, flown on the Space Shuttle Atlantis, was Dr. Jones's final and arguably most pivotal spaceflight. As a Mission Specialist, he was instrumental in attaching the U.S. Destiny Laboratory Module to the nascent International Space Station (ISS). This was a monumental task requiring extreme precision and significant extravehicular activity (EVA). During STS-98, Dr. Jones performed three challenging spacewalks (EVAs), totaling 19 hours and 10 minutes, making him one of the most experienced spacewalkers in U.S. history at the time. The Destiny module became a foundational component of the ISS, providing a state-of-the-art research facility for scientific experiments in microgravity.

Post-NASA Career and Ongoing Contributions

Since retiring from NASA, Dr. Jones has remained deeply involved in the aerospace and scientific communities, leveraging his unique expertise and firsthand experiences in space. He continues to inspire and educate through various prominent roles:

• Planetary Scientist: Drawing on his academic background and a career of observing Earth from orbit, he continues to contribute to the field of planetary science, with a particular focus on asteroid exploration, planetary defense, and the future of human exploration beyond Earth orbit.
• Space Operations Consultant: He provides expert advice and strategic guidance to various organizations, including government agencies, private aerospace companies, and educational institutions, on complex space mission planning, operational efficiency, risk assessment, and crew training.
• Astronaut Speaker: A compelling orator, Dr. Jones shares his firsthand experiences and profound insights from space with diverse audiences worldwide. His engaging talks often cover critical topics such as leadership, teamwork under pressure, innovation, and the future of space exploration, significantly encouraging public engagement with science and technology.
• Author: Dr. Jones is a prolific author, having penned several influential books that seamlessly combine scientific knowledge with personal narrative and historical context. His notable works include:
  • Sky Walking: An Astronaut's Memoir (2006) - A vivid and personal account of his rigorous journey to becoming an astronaut and his experiences living and working in orbit.
  • Planetology: Unlocking the Secrets of the Solar System (2006) - Co-authored, this book serves as an accessible and comprehensive guide to planetary science for a broad audience.
  • The Great Planet Debate: Science as Method and the Pluto Controversy (2008) - Co-authored, this publication explores the scientific process itself through the lens of the intense debate surrounding Pluto's reclassification.
  • Ask the Astronaut: A Fascinating Q&A Guide to Spaceflight (2020) - Offers insightful answers to common questions about space, life as an astronaut, and the intricacies of spaceflight from an experienced insider's perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Thomas D. Jones

When was Thomas David Jones born?

Thomas David Jones was born on January 22, 1955.

How many space missions did Thomas D. Jones complete?

Dr. Jones completed four successful Space Shuttle missions during his career: STS-59, STS-68, STS-80, and STS-98.

What was the total duration of his spaceflights?

His cumulative time in space across all four missions was 53 days and 48 minutes.

What was Dr. Jones's most significant mission?

While all his missions were vital, STS-98 is particularly notable as he performed three spacewalks to attach the crucial U.S. Destiny Laboratory Module to the International Space Station (ISS), a fundamental component for scientific research in orbit.

What does Thomas D. Jones do now?

Since retiring from active flight status with NASA, Dr. Jones actively works as a distinguished planetary scientist, a sought-after space operations consultant, an engaging astronaut speaker, and a celebrated author.