Fourteen days spent living and working underwater during the NEEMO 5 mission in June 2003 provided essential preparation for Garrett Reisman’s later orbital assignments. A mechanical engineer by training, he transitioned from academic research at the California Institute of Technology to the rigorous demands of active-duty space flight as a mission specialist with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Academic and Technical Foundation
Born in 1968 in Morristown, New Jersey, Reisman attended Parsippany High School before enrolling in the Jerome Fisher Program of Management & Technology. In 1991, he completed dual degrees at the University of Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Science in economics and a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and applied mechanics. He continued his studies at the California Institute of Technology, securing an M.S. in 1992 and a Ph.D. in 1997, both specializing in mechanical engineering.
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Reisman launched as a mission specialist aboard STS-123 on March 11, 2008, aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. During his deployment to the International Space Station, he participated in the first spacewalk of the mission and served as flight engineer 2 for portions of Expedition 16 and Expedition 17. He assisted in the installation of the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo and the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator. He returned to Earth on June 14, 2008, via STS-124.
Advanced Spaceflight Missions
In May 2010, Reisman served as a mission specialist on STS-132, traveling to the International Space Station aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. During this ten-day flight, he performed two separate spacewalks. His NASA contributions were recognized with the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 2008 and the Medal for Merit in Space Exploration.
Private Industry and Academic Consulting
Transitioning to the commercial space sector, Reisman joined SpaceX in 2011 as a senior engineer focused on mission assurance and astronaut safety. He eventually served as the director of crew operations until transitioning to a consultant role in 2018. He concluded his tenure as Senior Advisor at SpaceX in 2024. Currently, he holds a position as Professor of Astronautics Practice at the University of Southern California and serves as an Astronaut Advisor for the space station company Vast, a role he accepted in July 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 1968, Morristown, New Jersey
- Education: University of Pennsylvania (B.S.); California Institute of Technology (M.S., Ph.D.)
- NASA missions: STS-123, STS-124, STS-132
- NEEMO 5 participant: June 2003
- SpaceX tenure: 2011–2024
- Vast Astronaut Advisor: July 2023–present
- Current position: Professor of Astronautics Practice, USC
- Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2008)
Questions readers ask
What was Reisman’s role at SpaceX?
He joined as a senior engineer in 2011, became director of crew operations, and later served as a consultant and Senior Advisor until 2024.
Did Reisman have a career outside of engineering?
Yes, he served as a technical advisor for the television series For All Mankind and made cameo appearances in productions including Battlestar Galactica and The Colbert Report.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at California Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania and Parsippany High School
- Worked as astronaut, engineer and entrepreneur
