Jerry L. Ross Biography

Jerry Lynn Ross is a native of Indiana, a Purdue University alumnus, a retired US Air Force officer, and a former NASA astronaut who retired in 2012. He has flown on seven Space Shuttle missions for the United States and holds the world record for the most spaceflights flown by a person. Ross shares the record for the most launches into orbit with NASA Astronaut Franklin Chang-Diaz: seven. He is one of just three NASA astronauts that has been a part of the US Space Shuttle program from the beginning to the end. Ross was a key supporter of the International Space Station program from its inception until its completion and launch. He contributed to the development and creation of the ISS's facilities, tools, procedures, and training. He was one of the crews of spacewalkers that helped build the Space Station and was one of the first to reach orbit with it. Ross is a member of NASA's first pair of spacewalking grandfathers, the Silver Team. Ross is tied for third among spacewalkers globally, and second in the United States, with nine spacewalks. Ross is also the third most experienced spacewalker in the world, and the second most experienced spacewalker in the United States, with over 58 hours on spacewalks. He is the only person to win the American Astronautical Society's Victor A. Prather Award for spacewalking accomplishments three times and the Society's Flight Achievement Award four times. Ross was a key figure in the retrieval of the Columbia Space Shuttle debris. Two Defense Superior Service Awards, the Air Force Legion of Merit, four Defense Meritorious Service Medals, two Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement, and fifteen NASA medals have all been bestowed upon him. He was inducted into the Air Force ROTC Hall of Fame at Purdue University. He also received an honorary doctor of science degree from Purdue University in 2000 and the Purdue University College of Engineering's Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award in 2004. Jerry Ross Elementary School was named after him by his local school district, Crown Point Community School Corporation, in 2003. Ross and John Norberg co-wrote the autobiography Spacewalker: My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA's Record-Setting Frequent Flyer, which was released in January 2013.

As a renowned expert and highly sought-after speaker, Jerry L. Ross's expertise is in high demand. To book Jerry L. Ross for your next event, conference, or workshop, please contact our speaker booking agency. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and help secure Jerry L. Ross's participation. With our professional guidance and seamless booking process, you can ensure a memorable and impactful experience for your audience. Don't miss the opportunity to engage your audience with Jerry L. Ross's compelling insights and inspire positive change within your organization. Fill out the booking request form to take the first step in securing Jerry L. Ross for your next speaking engagement.