Garrett Reisman is a prominent figure in space exploration, with a career that includes significant roles at NASA and SpaceX. He earned his Ph.D. from Caltech in 1997 after studying at the University of Pennsylvania.
Reisman was selected as a NASA mission specialist astronaut in 1998. He participated in three Space Shuttle missions, including a 95-day stay on the International Space Station aboard Endeavour in 2008 and three spacewalks on Atlantis in 2010. He was also part of the NEEMO V mission, living underwater for two weeks in the Aquarius habitat.
In 2011, Reisman transitioned to SpaceX, where he held various positions, ultimately serving as the Director of Space Operations. He played a crucial role in preparing the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft for crewed missions, contributing to SpaceX's rise in the space industry.
In June 2018, Reisman left his full-time role at SpaceX to become a Professor of Astronautical Engineering at the Viterbi School at USC. He remains involved with SpaceX as a Senior Advisor, offering his expertise to the company.
Reisman is also a sought-after keynote speaker, known for his engaging presentations that draw on his experiences as an astronaut and executive. His talks cover topics such as innovation, leadership, and risk management, often featuring personal anecdotes and insights from his time in space.
His notable presentation topics include the keys to SpaceX's success, the future of the American space program, and lessons learned from past spaceflight tragedies. Reisman's journey from NASA astronaut to SpaceX executive and now professor provides him with a unique perspective on the evolution of human spaceflight, inspiring audiences with his insights into this dynamic field.
