A NASA veteran who flew on all three Space Shuttles, Garrett Reisman was selected by NASA as a mission specialist astronaut in 1998. His first mission in 2008 was aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour which dropped him off for a 95 day stay aboard the International Space Station after which he returned to Earth aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. His second mission in 2010 was aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. During these missions, Garrett performed 3 spacewalks, operated the Space Station Robot Arm and was a flight engineer aboard the Space Shuttle. Not only was he an astronaut, but Garrett was also an aquanaut serving as a crew member on NEEMO V, living on the bottom of the sea in the Aquarius deep underwater habitat for 2 weeks.
After leaving NASA in early 2011, he joined SpaceX where he served in multiple capacities, most recently as the Director of Space Operations.
Garrett stepped down from his full-time position at SpaceX in May of 2018 and in June 2018 he became a Professor of Astronautical Engineering in the Viterbi School at USC. He also continues to support SpaceX as a Senior Advisor and VAST as an Astronaut Advisor.
Garrett attended the University of Pennsylvania and Caltech where he received his Ph.D in 1997.
-
Keynote Speaker
Garrett gives an insider’s view and describes what it was like to launch into space, see the Earth from orbit, do a spacewalk, live and work in space, and re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Keynotes can also address innovation, leadership, inspiration, determination, risk management, and other lessons learned. To wrap up, Garrett gives you a behind the scenes look at what is coming up next in human spaceflight: a whole new golden age of exploration!
-
Garrett's Day Jobs
In February of 2011, Garrett left NASA and joined SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA. At SpaceX Garrett worked with NASA to prepare SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft to carry astronauts. Thus, he is a major player in both the American space program’s past and future. After stepping down from his full-time job as Director of Space Operations in 2019, Garrett remains a Senior Advisor at SpaceX and he also serves as an Astronaut Advisor at Vast. But his day job now is as a Professor of Astronautical Engineering at the Viterbi School at the University of Southern California where he teaches graduate engineering courses in human spaceflight.
-
2 Funny Astronauts
Garrett is half of the '2 Funny Astronauts' along with Astronaut Mike Massimino - a popular new podcast featuring behind the scenes true stories about flying in space. Now, Garrett and Mike are not claiming they are funny people - just funny astronauts, which admittedly is not saying much. But judge for yourself! New episodes drop on Wednesdays at 5pm Eastern time.
-
For All Mankind
Garrett is the Technical Consultant for the Apple TV+ series, "For All Mankind", an alternate-history sci fi series available for streaming now. One day, Ronald D. Moore, co-creator of "Battlestar Galactica" and "Outlander" and producer for "Star Trek TNG", and Garrett had lunch at SpaceX to discuss some ideas Ron had for a new show. When Ron described his idea to create an alternate-history show based on the premise that the Soviets landed a man on the moon before the US, Garrett's eyes lit up. Soon thereafter, Ron pitched it to Apple and the rest is alternate-history. Check out Garrett's tour of the Jamestown Moon Base and Garrett was even a guest-star on two episodes of the show!
-
The Colbert Report
Garrett is a self-proclaimed member of the ‘Colbert Universe’, wore Stephen’s Wrist-Strong Bracelet in space and was featured on several episodes of ‘The Colbert Report’.
-
Battlestar Galactica
A big-time BSG fanboy, Garrett had the best viewing experience ever - watching the show while orbiting the planet called Earth. Upon reaching Earth, he was invited to visit the set during the filming of the final episode and even got to be a Colonial Marine! Friendships were formed with the cast and crew and the adventures continued.
-
New York Yankees
Growing up in New Jersey, Garrett became a life-long member of the ‘Yankee Universe’ and was sure to represent his home team during his spaceflight missions. Read how he took dirt from the mound at Yankee Stadium, Joe Torre’s 2000 World Series ring, Whitey Ford’s jersey, Bernie William’s glove and other Yankee mementoes to space. And read about Garrett’s most terrifying moment as an astronaut – throwing out a first pitch at Yankee Stadium!
Garrett’s Thoughts On…
