Not Necessarily Rocket Science

Learn from Kellie Gerardi What It's Like to Be a Female Astronaut"Kellie is probably one of the best ambassadors for spaceflight in the 21st century that the industry could have." Lucy Hawking, author of George's Secret Key to the Universe and host of Audible's Lucy in the Sky.

#1 Bestseller in Astronomy & Space Science, Universe

Follow aerospace science professional Kellie Gerardi's non-traditional path in the space industry as she guides and encourages anyone who has ever dreamed about stars, the solar system, and the galaxies in space.

Ever wondered what it's like to work in outer space? In this candid science memoir and career guide, Kellie Gerardi offers an inside look into the industry beginning to eclipse Silicon Valley. Whether you have a space science degree or are looking to learn about stars, Kellie Gerardi's, Not Necessarily Rocket Science proves there's room for anyone who is passionate about exploration.

What it's like to be a woman in space. With a space background and a mission to democratize access to space, this female astronaut candidate offers a front row seat to the final frontier. From her adventures training for Mars to testing spacesuits in microgravity, this unique handbook provides inspiration and guidance for aspiring female astronauts everywhere.

Look inside for answers to questions like:



Will there be beer on Mars?Why do I need to do one-handed pushups in microgravity?How can I possibly lose a fortune in outer space?



If you're looking for women in science gifts, astronomy books for adults, or NASA stories or enjoyed, the Galaxy Girls book, Letters from an Astrophysicist by Neil deGrasse Tyson, or How to Astronaut then you'll love Not Necessarily Rocket Science.

“"KellieGerardi's Not Necessarily Rocket Science is a unique andcompelling guide to living in this age of space exploration, and one that willappeal to anyone who's dreams are larger than the limitations others try towrap them in. Gerardi is informed, inspiring, and full of humanity, as shetakes readers on a personal journey into what it means to be a fully signed-upmember of the space age. A must-read for space-dreamerseverywhere!"-- Andrew Maynard , author of FutureRising "Kellie is probably one of the bestambassadors for spaceflight in the 21st century that the industry couldhave."-- Lucy Hawking , author of George'sSecret Key to the Universe and host of Audible's Lucy inthe Sky. "Kellie Gerardi's book blastsreaders onto a rocket-fueled journey through space and time, the perfect primerfor the next space age."-- Zara Stone , author of TheFuture of Science is Female "Space may seem like apretty intimidating place, open only to fighter pilots or brilliant engineers.But if humans are to ever settle worlds beyond Earth, it will take all kinds tomake a society. That's where Not Necessarily RocketScience comes ina book that makes space accessible and fun, whileshowing readers where the front door is. Through her own memorable experiencesin the space community, from social media stardom to space fashion to Marsmissions, Kellie Gerardi deftly offers a sampling of the possible careers inspace while helping those who are intrigued find their own pathway. Space needsmore engineers, sure. But as Gerardi ably writes, it needs poetstoo." Eric Berger , senior space editor at ArsTechnica”

“KellieGerardi’s Not Necessarily Rocket Science is a unique andcompelling guide to living in this age of space exploration, and one that willappeal to anyone who’s dreams are larger than the limitations others try towrap them in. Gerardi is informed, inspiring, and full of humanity, as shetakes readers on a personal journey into what it means to be a fully signed-upmember of the space age. A must-read for space-dreamerseverywhere!”—Andrew Maynard, author of FutureRising"Kellie is probably one of the bestambassadors for spaceflight in the 21st century that the industry couldhave."—Lucy Hawking, author of George'sSecret Key to the Universe and host of Audible's Lucy inthe Sky."Kellie Gerardi’s book blastsreaders onto a rocket-fueled journey through space and time, the perfect primerfor the next space age."—Zara Stone, author of TheFuture of Science is Female“Space may seem like apretty intimidating place, open only to fighter pilots or brilliant engineers.But if humans are to ever settle worlds beyond Earth, it will take all kinds tomake a society. That's where Not Necessarily RocketScience comes in―a book that makes space accessible and fun, whileshowing readers where the front door is. Through her own memorable experiencesin the space community, from social media stardom to space fashion to Marsmissions, Kellie Gerardi deftly offers a sampling of the possible careers inspace while helping those who are intrigued find their own pathway. Space needsmore engineers, sure. But as Gerardi ably writes, it needs poetstoo.”―Eric Berger, senior space editor at ArsTechnica

Kellie Gerardi is anaerospace, defense, and technology professional and a popular sciencecommunicator. She conducts bioastronautics research in microgravity with theInternational Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) and in 2021 wasannounced as a commercial astronaut and payload specialist contracted to fly ona dedicated research flight with Virgin Galactic. Kellie is the world's firstindustry-sponsored researcher contracted to fly on a commercial spacecraft.Kellie serves on the Defense Council for the Truman National Security Projectand on the Board of Directors for The Explorers Club, whose esteemed flag shecarried during a crew rotation at the Mars Desert Research Station. Kellie alsoholds a leadership role in global Mission Operations at Palantir Technologies.She is the author of Not Necessarily Rocket Science andthe children’s picture book series Luna Muna. Kellie livesin Jupiter, Florida with her husband Steven and their daughter DeltaV.

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