Does your company have a moonshot? A dream project, a grand plan that feels impossibly out of reach, yet you can’t give up on it?  You don’t have to, and it doesn’t have to remain a moonshot. 

From astronauts to inventors and engineers, NASA’s deep pool of talent has also given rise to an exemplary set of speakers with storytelling skills that complement their remarkable, and often out of this world, experiences. Whether called upon to repair space telescopes or corral an international group of scientists on a massive engineering project, these speakers are more qualified than anyone when it comes to discussing taking big risks and achieving the seemingly impossible.

A true visionary in the field of management and leadership, Gregory Robinson is best known for his role in transforming the James Webb Space Telescope from an over-budget, flagging program into what has been hailed as one of NASA’s greatest achievements of the 21st century. A TIME100 Impact Award recipient and advocate for the power of teamwork, his 33 year career at NASA saw him develop excellent communication and motivational skills.

Laura Winterling is a physicist and former astronaut trainer who spent nearly a decade working for the ESA and NASA, training astronauts from multiple nations and literally writing the book for Mission Control Europe. A leadership and peak performance expert, she has worked with global audiences and visited 52 countries along the way.

4 time spacewalker and Hubble Space Telescope servicer Mike Massimino is much more than a former astronaut. A bestselling author, recurring character on the Big Bang Theory, and Columbia University engineering professor, he’s a much-requested speaker on resilience, innovation, and teamwork.

Artificial intelligence expert and bestselling author José Morey is a medical consultant for NASA, earning him the title of first ever Intergalactic Doctor. An active innovator marrying healthcare and artificial intelligence, he stands at the forefront of technological advancement in medical care in the machine age.

Peggy Whitson is a leadership speaker, biochemist, and former NASA Chief Astronaut who has logged 665 days in space and served as the station commander for Expedition 16. Beginning her NASA career as a research biochemist, she was involved in the collaborative efforts between the US and USSR, acted as Deputy Division Chief of the Medical Sciences Division at the Johnson Space Center, and has also served as Chief of the Astronaut Corps.

Mars Rover engineer Nagin Cox has spent over 2 decades at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, and has had a hand in a number of space exploration missions. An expert in the power of how high-performance teams can tackle adversity and achieve breakthrough results, she has addressed global audiences and won acclaim for her speaking skills from both NASA and the US Department of State.

Retired Air Force Colonel and astronaut Terry Virts’ career has seen him spending 200 days aboard the Space Station, working closely with Russian cosmonauts, and breaking world records with his crew flying over the North and South poles. A passionate (and trilingual) storyteller, he has tremendous insight into risk management, intercultural leadership, and innovation. 

Former International Space Station Commander Leroy Chiao had a 15 year career as a NASA astronaut., during which he flew four space missions on Space Shuttles and 1 on a Russian Soyuz Spacecraft, and logged a total of 230 days in space. A tried and tested leader and educator who speaks three languages, he is uniquely qualified in the arts of communication and collaboration in high-pressure environments.

Aerospace engineer and former NASA rocket scientist Shayla Rivera is a true Renaissance Woman. A frequent speaker, emcee, comedian, producer and educator, she has equal interest in engineering and human behavior, giving her unique insight into aerospace, stress management, and overcoming adversity.

Mike Mullane is a lauded leadership and teamwork speaker, bestselling author, and Space Shuttle astronaut with 3 missions under his belt. One of the first ever Space Shuttle astronauts and a former Air Force pilot, he has been a pioneering voice in space-related education, authoring books for children and adults and hosting the Inside Space program.

Ready to boost your engines and aim big? Reach out to us at info@bigspeak.com to book one of our stellar NASA speakers  to bring their insights and inspiration to your next event.