Narrative Nonfiction/Inspirational
Date Published: August 4th, 2026
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
lifeguard who dared to believe his life could reach far beyond the horizon.
On the beaches of Southern California, Ken Kisco learned that preparation
saves lives. From rip-current rescues to split-second emergencies, he
discovered that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act in
spite of it. Those early lessons in resilience and composure pushed Ken to
believe he could accomplish anything . . . including his lifelong dream of
reaching the stars.
Through relentless perseverance and unwavering faith, Ken rose into the heart
of America’s most advanced space and defense programs, contributing to
human spaceflight initiatives and supporting groundbreaking technologies. His
unusual start as a lifeguard helped advance his career, distinguishing him
from his Air Force and Navy peers. Yet, his toughest challenges were
personal—he faced deep disappointment when a space mission was canceled
and learned lessons about trust and integrity from a romance-turned-ruse.
Ken’s journey reveals that success is rarely linear. Setbacks became
launchpads, adversity became refinement, and purpose became a compass. Part
memoir, part inspiration, and part behind-the-scenes look at America’s
quest for the stars, this is the unforgettable story of a man who proves that
bold dreams, combined with grit and heart, can launch an ordinary life into an
extraordinary one.
goal that shaped his life. He earned multiple degrees, including master’s
degrees from the University of Southern California in systems management and
from San Jose State University in industrial psychology.
As an aerospace systems engineer for NASA, Rockwell International, and Boeing,
he developed new technologies and earned recognition as an American Institute
of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Fellow.
Ken now shares his passion by mentoring USC engineering students, inspiring
them to dream boldly. When not traveling, he and his wife enjoy San Diego’s
beaches, where they live.
Instagram: @Kennasaman
