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Jerry Linenger

Jerry Linenger

Astronaut, Epidemiologist and Hero

Jerry Linenger survived what has been described as "one of the most dangerous missions in space history"–an out-of control spacecraft tumbling through darkness, and on fire.

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Bio

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As a physician, epidemiologist, and flight surgeon, Jerry M. Linenger M.D., M.P.H.,M.S.S.M.,Ph.D., understands the impact and devastating effects of global pandemics. As an astronaut living in isolation for five-months aboard the Russian space station Mir–a famously failing spacecraft with broken-down communications and with two Russians crewmates who spoke no English–he intimately understands how to thrive in isolation even under unanticipated, seemingly overwhelming difficulties. For Astronaut Linenger, these included: surviving repeated failures of life support systems (will we be able to breathe?), a near-collision with an out-of-control incoming spacecraft, computer failures leading to a tumbling, power-dead space station, and the “worst fire ever aboard an orbiting spacecraft.”

Captain Linenger knows how to press on and to accomplish mission goals despite unforeseen challenges. The crew accomplished all mission goals: Shuttle Atlantis docking, spacewalking, a Soyuz flyaround, and all 120 science experiments. At mission completion, Linenger logged the equivalent distance of 110 round-trips to the moon at a speed of 17,500 mph. He was the first American to conduct a spacewalk in a foreign spacesuit, and held the endurance record for an American man.

In short, Linenger knows how to reach deep, stay calm, and apply brainpower to solve problems. Persevering and triumphing in the face of seemingly overwhelming adversity, he consistently inspires audiences, companies, and organizations to do likewise.

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Topics

Topics

Reset/Recover/Regroup/Resilience: Surviving and Thriving Off the Planet

Challenges and Change: My 132 Days Off the Planet

Videos

Videos

Jerry Linenger Saw A UFO From Space Station Mir
Changing perspective off the planet: Jerry Linenger at TEDxUNC

Books

Letters from MIR: An Astronaut's Letters to His Son
Letters from MIR: An Astronaut's Letters to His Son
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Off the Planet: Surviving Five Perilous Months Aboard the Space Station Mir
Off the Planet: Surviving Five Perilous Months Aboard the Space Station Mir
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