Tom is an astronaut and planetary scientist who has piloted B-52D bombers, studied asteroids for NASA, engineered intelligence-gathering systems for the CIA, and helped develop advanced mission concepts to explore the solar system. In his 11 years with NASA, he flew on four space shuttle missions, working and living in space for 53 days, including three spacewalks to install the centerpiece of the International Space Station. His publications include Planetology: Unlocking the Secrets of the Solar System and Hell Hawks! – the top-selling title at the National Air and Space Museum. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Tom holds a PhD in Planetary Sciences from the University of Arizona.