“On December 2, 1988, I lifted off aboard the Shuttle Atlantis on a top-secret mission to deploy a classified surveillance satellite. We accomplished the mission on the first day, but on the second, Mission Control informed us they had seen something hit our right wing during launch and ordered us to examine it. We saw a major amount of damage to our heat protection tiles. Given it was a classified mission, the Department of Defense would not allow us to broadcast a television signal back to Earth, but they agreed to let us send it encrypted. Mission Control studied it for a day, then cleared us for reentry. The images on the encrypted video were so poor that they had concluded we were only seeing shadows. Even though the damage was there, I was reluctant to argue―bad form for an astronaut. We survived reentry, but more than 700 tiles were damaged and one was missing. Only a thick metal plate had saved us which had almost melted through.” Written in his own words, Space Ace is the memoir of Astronaut Robert Lee “Hoot” Gibson, a true master of speed and air. Beginning from his youth growing up in a family of nine and learning to fly from his father, this book chronicles a rich, fascinating, and insightful life, encompassing the full breadth of his storied career while providing leadership lessons along the way. Captain Gibson rose through the ranks from Vietnam combat pilot to Navy Top Gun, from test pilot to NASA Space Shuttle Commander. “Hoot” shares it all, de-classifying some of the most historic moments in aerospace history, first-hand. "Hoot Gibson is the best of the best! As a leader and commander of astronauts, he is respected and loved. When facing the most difficult circumstances, he is the rock-solid model you want to follow. On top of that he is fun to be with. This book explains why he is...the Space Ace.” HONORABLE BILL NELSON––––Congressman, Senator, Astronaut, and NASA Administrator "Space Ace is a story of the endless pursuit of a dream inspired and encouraged by a set of parents who taught by example what a life of service and sacrifice can achieve. This is a story of both a mentor and role model, who taught me everything I needed to know about flying in space. And it's a story of living the life and accepting the risks of flight by a man who just wanted to make his parents proud.” GENERAL CHARLES BOLDEN, USMC (Ret.)––––Space Shuttle Pilot & Commander, NASA Administrator "Hoot’s story is riveting! From dodging enemy fire in Vietnam, to setting numerous records as well as skirting disaster in space, to winning as Unlimited Grand Champion at the Reno Air Races, there are few aviators with his extraordinary level of achievement! This is a must read!" COLONEL CHARLES PRECOURT, USAF (Ret.)––––Space Shuttle Pilot & Commander, NASA Chief Astronaut, Deputy Program Manager International Space Station "A great book!!! It held my interest throughout. Robert “Hoot” Gibson was Number One in his class in everything he tried. He developed rapidly into a superb combat pilot and easily became my choice to attend TOPGUN as a rather junior pilot. A great career by a great American!" CAPTAIN JIM RULIFFSON, USN (Ret.)––––TOPGUN Co-Founder and Commanding Officer "I really enjoyed reading this book. Hoot’s great success was the result of his plan, one guided by his preparation for each next step. The support by his parents for both him and his personal plan is what’s missing from many families today. Hoot is a guy who has been there and done that. His words provide a guide and inspiration for all of us." GENERAL JACK JR DAILY, USMC (Ret.)––––Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Deputy Administrator of NASA, Director Emeritus Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Following his Air Force career in fighter aircraft and the building of national brands for companies like Rockwell Avionics, Disney, and Miller Brewing, Dr. Anthony Paustian created a technology-focused college campus that was named one of the nation's most innovative organizations. The campus has received national media attention for its groundbreaking initiatives, ranging from advances in educational delivery systems to its inspiring Celebrate Innovation Live! (ciLive!) event. Dr. Paustian has authored four books including A Quarter Million Steps, which won seven international and national literary awards for best book in the areas of leadership, motivation, and success. He's the managing partner of Bookpress Publishing and Media, a regular contributor for Ad Astra (the magazine of the National Space Society), and serves as the society's Vice President of Marketing. He recently served as the chair of the International Space Development Conference held in Los Angeles. Dr. Paustian holds graduate degrees in business administration and design management, as well as a doctorate degree in educational psychology.Captain Robert “Hoot” Gibson entered the United States Navy after college and served as a fighter pilot i