Skip to main content
Back to Show
PBS News Hour

How setbacks and failures shaped an improbable astronaut

It's completely improbable that Mike Massimino actually became an astronaut. With a fear of heights, impaired vision and difficulty with swimming, he calls his achievement a miracle, but his is a story of overcoming setbacks. In his new book, “Spaceman,” Massimino details his long and difficult journey. He talks with science correspondent Miles O’Brien.

California News
Jerry Seinfeld, Lil Wayne and Jason Lee: Inside Stockton’s struggle to bring top acts to town
Jerry Seinfeld, Lil Wayne and Jason Lee: Inside Stockton’s struggle to bring top acts to town
When it comes landing big-name acts in entertainment, Stockton isn’t getting a standing ovation.
californianews
Read more
Gifford Fire Tops 118,000 Acres as Crews Battle Rugged Terrain
Gifford Fire Tops 118,000 Acres as Crews Battle Rugged Terrain
Firefighting force swells to more than 4,000 people; blaze threatens 2,922 structures in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties
californianews
Read more
Meet San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s new silverback gorilla, ‘Paul Donn’
Meet San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s new silverback gorilla, ‘Paul Donn’
Gorilla Paul Donn has joined the troop at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park as its first silverback since beloved Winston’s passing last year, zoo officials announced Monday.
californianews
Read more
2,123 lives: Inside the stats and stories of those arrested by ICE from the S.F. area
2,123 lives: Inside the stats and stories of those arrested by ICE from the S.F. area
See the path from arrest to removal for immigrants detained by ICE in the Bay
californianews
Read more