Barry “Butch” Wilmore — a Middle Tennessee native and veteran astronaut — will publish Stuck in Space, a memoir about an unintended 286-day stay aboard the ISS after launching June 6, 2024, on Boeing’s Starliner. The book, due March 17 from Heirloom Publishing, explores how discipline, leadership and faith helped him endure isolation and uncertainty. Wilmore also reflects on his emotional and spiritual growth and his broader career, which totals 464 days in orbit.
Tennessee Astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore Memoir ‘Stuck in Space’ — Out March 17
"Stuck In Space" is a book on Middle Tennessee native Barry Wilmore's extended stay at the International Space Station.
Barry “Butch” Wilmore, a Middle Tennessee native and veteran astronaut, will publish a memoir titled Stuck in Space that recounts an unplanned, 286-day extension aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
From A Short Mission To Nearly A Year In Orbit
The book, set for release March 17 — the first anniversary of Wilmore’s reentry — is being published by Heirloom Publishing, according to a news release from Wortman Works Media and Marketing. Wilmore launched to the ISS on June 6, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner on what was intended to be a one- to two-week mission. Unforeseen technical issues prolonged his stay to 286 days.
What the Memoir Covers
Stuck in Space chronicles the practical and emotional challenges Wilmore faced while effectively stranded in orbit: the daily routines he used to stay physically fit, leadership decisions under pressure, and the discipline required to maintain mission readiness. He also explores the deeper, spiritual side of the experience — how isolation sharpened his sense of purpose, trust and faith.
The Human Side Of An Astronaut
Wilmore opens up about how he coped with uncertainty and loneliness, how his faith sustained him, and what it felt like when the long-awaited rescue call finally came. Across three spaceflights, Wilmore has logged 464 days in space — a background that shaped how he led and endured during the extended mission.
Background
Raised in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Wilmore graduated from Mt. Juliet High School in 1981 and went on to Tennessee Tech University, where he played football. He now lives in Texas with his wife, Deana, and their two daughters.
Availability
Preorders for Stuck in Space are expected to begin in mid-February ahead of the March 17 publication date.
Themes: Survival and resilience in isolation, leadership under life-or-death conditions, faith and purpose when control is stripped away.
Source: This story was produced by Andy Humbles (ahumbles@tennessean.com) with assistance from artificial intelligence. Journalists remained involved in all steps of information gathering, review, editing and publishing.
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