All Pikes Peak Library District locations will be closed Tue., Dec. 24 and Wed., Dec. 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. 

Manitou Springs Library is temporarily closed to prepare for its move in early 2025. 

An Improbable Astronaut: A Visit with Astronaut and Pilot Roy D. Bridges, Jr.

Event Type:

Adults, Author, Community Public, History, Live Indoor, Local Author, Seniors, Teen

Age Group:

Adult, Senior, Family
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Registration for this event is no longer open.

Event Details

Pikes Peak Library District is proud to welcome Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Roy D. Bridges, Jr., who will talk about his life and career as featured in his memoir, An Improbable Astronaut (his book will also be available for purchase and signing). From his book publisher's website:

Astronaut Roy Bridges intentionally pursued a life of adventure. From fearlessly hunting bears in the woods with his cap pistol at age five, to piloting a fighter jet in Vietnam in his twenties, to rocketing into space at forty-two, he quietly, diligently, and relentlessly made his dream a reality. Fueled by ambition and hard work, fed by the support of family, and formed by the wisdom and character of their example, he made his way from humble beginnings to positions of leadership and prestige—and followed his dream by flying into space as the pilot of the Challenger space shuttle, a classic American Dream of our times.

Gen. Bridges was a 2023 inductee to the Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Kennedy Space Center.  His many notable life accomplishments include:

  • Graduating from the USAFA in 1965 and Purdue University in 1966. 
  • Serving 31 years in the USAF and retired as a Major General to Colorado Springs 1996. 
  • While in the AF served as a fighter pilot, test pilot, and NASA astronaut. 
  • As an astronaut, piloted the space shuttle Challenger on STS-51F, Spacelab 2 in 1985. 
  • After AF retirement, served as Center Director of both NASA Kennedy Space Center (1997-2003) and Langley Research Center (2003-2005). 
  • Following NASA retirement served as business unit director for Northrop Grumman 13 years retiring in 2019. 

He calls El Paso County home.  His memoir, An Improbable Astronaut, was published by Heart Ally Books, LLC, in 2022.  Copies of his book will be available for purchase and signing (cash or check only).

An Improbable Astronaut

Registration for this event is encouraged but not required.