N4L 018: "The Sky Below" by Scott Parazynski with Susy Flory

Scott Parazynski, author of the memoir The Sky Below: A True Story of Summits, Space, and Speed, is the only human to travel in space and reach the summit of Mount Everest. With five Space Shuttle Missions, seven spacewalks (EVAs), and numerous publications and awards to his name, he rightfully earned his place in the US Astronaut Hall of Fame at Kennedy Space Center.

He grew up all over the world, making him a “third culture kid,” which opened his eyes to the power of people and made him a fan of multidisciplinary teams. To become both a physician and an astronaut, Parazynski applied lessons learned from becoming an Eagle Scout. Just as he earned merit badges one at a time, he likewise pursued his goals by organizing them into manageable parts. Now retired from his 17-year career as an astronaut, he refers to himself as “former astronaut” since he’s no longer allowed to speak officially for NASA.

When his son Luke was born with underdeveloped lungs, Parazynski felt terrified and helpless. To have no control over the situation was a defining moment. Yet later, mortality caught up with him, too. He suffered an altitude-induced stroke and ruptured disc in his lower back. Still, he returned to space for several expeditions and to Mount Everest for a second (successful) attempt to reach the summit. Although characterized by putting himself in risky situations, he calls himself a “risk manager” rather than a “risk taker.” Like other climbers and astronauts, he always has a Plan B and Plan C.

Evidently, Parazynski’s back problems were a result of his body expanding in space and contracting upon returning to Earth. Over time, repeating this pattern inflicted trauma on his body. Parazynski’s friend/colleague Scott Kelly speaks of experiencing similar physical changes from his prolonged space travel.

Parazynski had the distinguished opportunity to be selected as a fellow crewmember and in-flight physician to John Glenn who returned to space at age 77. Of all Glenn’s qualities, his humility impressed Parazynski the most. Their space experiments included findings that continue to inform the field of gerontology.

According to Parazynski, companies such as Virgin Galactic and Space X will make space travel possible for the layman sooner rather than later. His own finest moment in space came when repairing a solar panel on the International Space Station. The ISS, a symbol of political alliances, is tangible evidence space can be an incredible catalyst for peace.

Parazynski believes continuing to fund the space program is a smart investment in “tomorrow.” By allocating $18 billion (less than half a cent of taxpayer dollars) to aerospace and aviation, we can continue to bridge nations and inspire young people. His own “greater purpose” is “to try to pay forward to the fullest extent possible.” As CEO of his own robotics startup, he’s working on technologies he hopes will help millions if not billions of people for good.

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