NSS Space Forum - Adventures of the Spacewalkers

Описание: National Space Society Space Forum, Thursday, August 7, 2025 — Into the Void: Adventures of the Spacewalkers

Featuring
John Youskauskas, Author and Space Historian, Commercial Pilot
Melvin Croft, Author and Space Historian, Geologist

Fewer than 300 people have stepped outside a spacecraft into the raw environment of space. In their new book, "Into the Void: Adventures of the Spacewalkers," authors Melvin Croft and John Youskauskas explore what it takes to join that elite group—and what it means to leave the relative safety of a spacecraft for a world with no air, no gravity, and no second chances. We take you behind the scenes of one of the most dangerous and demanding tasks in human spaceflight: extravehicular activity (EVA). From the daring first spacewalks of the 1960s to the complex operations aboard the International Space Station, Into the Void offers a chronological look at how EVA has evolved—technically, operationally, and personally.

Mel and John will share highlights from their research, including:

• The first steps into space by Alexei Leonov and Ed White—and how their struggles shaped decades of EVA planning and training.
• The human element—how astronauts prepare to face an environment that is utterly hostile to life.
• The realities of training for a task that can’t be fully simulated on Earth—and why spacewalks rarely go exactly as planned.
• Why EVA still pushes limits—mentally, physically, and technically—even after more than half a century of experience.

There have been many books about spaceflight, but few dive this deeply into the unique challenge—and thrill—of stepping into the void. This forum brings EVA history to life through the voices of two authors who combine technical insight with a passion for the human side of exploration.

John Youskauskas is a commercial pilot with over 30 years of experience in airline and corporate aviation. He currently serves as a captain for a major fractional business jet operator and has contributed extensively to aviation safety, including service on safety boards and publishing in industry outlets. Beyond the cockpit, Youskauskas is an accomplished author and space historian. He co-authored "Come Fly with Us: NASA’s Payload Specialist Program" (2019), which explores the stories of non-career astronauts who flew aboard the space shuttle. His most recent work, "Into the Void: Adventures of the Spacewalkers" (2025), offers a compelling look at the history, risks, and human challenges of extravehicular activity (EVA) in space. Combining technical expertise with a deep appreciation for the overlooked contributors to spaceflight, Youskauskas brings a unique voice to the narrative of human space exploration—one that resonates with space professionals, historians, and enthusiasts alike.

Melvin Croft is a professional geologist and respected space historian with a master of science in geology from Florida State University. With more than 40 years of experience in the geosciences—including 27 years as a petroleum geologist—Croft brings scientific depth and analytical precision to his writing on space history. A long-time supporter of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, Croft is widely known for his meticulous research and focus on the personal experiences of those who have shaped human spaceflight. He is the co-author of "Come Fly with Us: NASA’s Payload Specialist Program" (2019) and "Into the Void: Adventures of the Spacewalkers" (2025), both part of the University of Nebraska Press’s acclaimed Outward Odyssey series. Croft’s work shines a spotlight on the under-recognized individuals who played vital roles in NASA’s missions. His writing blends scientific insight with heartfelt storytelling, making his contributions essential reading for space historians, enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the human side of space exploration.

Read our review of the book:
https://nss.org/book-review-into-the-...