Garrett Reisman is a distinguished American engineer and former NASA astronaut whose career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements in space exploration. Selected as a mission specialist astronaut in 1998, Reisman embarked on his first mission aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in March 2008, where he spent 95 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). During this mission, he participated in the first spacewalk and contributed to significant installations, including the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo”. His second mission in 2010 aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis further solidified his reputation, as he completed two additional spacewalks, showcasing his expertise and commitment to advancing human spaceflight.
After leaving NASA in 2011, Reisman joined SpaceX, where he played a pivotal role in preparing the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft for crewed missions. His leadership and technical skills led to his promotion to Director of Space Operations, where he oversaw critical safety and mission assurance protocols. Even after stepping down from his full-time position in 2018, he continues to serve as a Senior Advisor, contributing to the future of space exploration.
In addition to his work at SpaceX, Reisman is a Professor of Astronautical Engineering at the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering. His academic role allows him to inspire the next generation of engineers and astronauts, sharing his extensive knowledge and experiences in human spaceflight. He also co-hosts the popular podcast “2 Funny Astronauts,” where he shares entertaining and insightful stories from his time in space.
Garrett Reisman’s contributions extend beyond engineering and academia; he has also served as a technical consultant for the Apple TV+ series “For All Mankind,” helping to shape narratives around space exploration. His remarkable journey, characterized by innovation, leadership, and a passion for exploration, continues to inspire audiences worldwide, making him a sought-after speaker and advisor in the field of astronautics.