Not Necessarily Rocket Science: A Beginner’s Guide to Life in the Space Age

A Beginner's Guide to Life in the Space Age 

“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

Aerospace science professional Kellie Gerardi 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 essay collection 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 from one of the most successful contemporary women in science , Kellie Gerardi’s, Not Necessarily Rocket Science proves there’s room for anyone who is passionate about exploration.

Front row seats to the final frontier. With a space background and a mission to democratize access to space, Kellie 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 astronauts everywhere.

Look inside for answers to questions like:

• What does humanity's past, present, and future in space look like?
• What exciting opportunities exist in the commercial space industry?
• How can I get involved 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.

Kellie Gerardi is an aerospace, defense, and technology professional and a popular science communicator. She conducts bioastronautics research in microgravity with the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) and in 2021 was announced as a commercial astronaut and payload specialist contracted to fly on a dedicated research flight with Virgin Galactic. Kellie is the world's first industry-sponsored researcher contracted to fly on a commercial spacecraft. Kellie serves on the Defense Council for the Truman National Security Project and on the Board of Directors for The Explorers Club, whose esteemed flag she carried during a crew rotation at the Mars Desert Research Station. Kellie also holds a leadership role in global Mission Operations at Palantir Technologies. She is the author of Not Necessarily Rocket Science and the children’s picture book series Luna Muna. Kellie lives in Jupiter, Florida with her husband Steven and their daughter Delta V.