Jerry Linenger

Jerry Linenger is an American astronaut who joined NASA in 1992. He has spent over 132 days in space, including a mission aboard the Russian space station Mir in 1997. During his time on Mir, Linenger faced challenges due to the station's deteriorating condition, dealing with issues such as breathing contaminated air, putting out fires, and managing power failures. He remained focused on his duties and maintained a rigorous exercise routine while conducting experiments. 

Linenger's experiences in space are detailed in his book "Off the Planet: Surviving Five Perilous Months Aboard the Space Station Mir," which provides a firsthand account of his time aboard the aging spacecraft. He also holds the distinction of being the first American to perform a spacewalk using a Russian EVA suit. After returning from space, Linenger shared his insights and experiences through speaking engagements, including a motivational session at a sales conference.