Garrett Reisman, American engineer and astronaut

Dr. Garrett Erin Reisman, born on February 10, 1968, is a distinguished American engineer and a veteran former NASA astronaut whose career spans pioneering space missions and significant contributions to both the public and private sectors of aerospace. Known for his extensive experience in human spaceflight, Reisman has played a crucial role in the advancement of space exploration and engineering.

Reisman's journey with NASA saw him serve as a backup crew member for Expedition 15, a critical role preparing him for eventual long-duration spaceflight. He subsequently joined Expedition 16 aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the orbiting laboratory dedicated to scientific research and international cooperation. During this period, he transitioned seamlessly to become a full member of Expedition 17, marking a significant period of continuous human presence in space. His duties as a flight engineer involved maintaining the station's complex systems, conducting scientific experiments, and supporting spacewalks. After spending a combined 95 days in space during these expeditions, he returned to Earth on June 14, 2008, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission, which delivered the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module (Kibo) and its robotic arm to the ISS. This mission highlighted the international collaboration vital for the station's construction and operation.

His second spaceflight opportunity came with the STS-132 mission, where he served as a mission specialist. This particular mission, launched on May 14, 2010, aboard the iconic Space Shuttle Atlantis, was a critical resupply and assembly flight for the International Space Station. Over its 12-day duration, STS-132 delivered the Integrated Cargo Carrier-Vertical Light Deployable (ICC-VLD) and the Russian Mini Research Module 1 (MRM1), also known as "Rassvet," to the ISS. Rassvet was specifically designed to expand the station's docking capabilities and provide a platform for scientific experiments. Reisman returned to Earth with his crew on May 26, 2010, successfully completing another vital mission in the history of the Space Shuttle program.

Following a distinguished career at NASA, Garrett Reisman transitioned into the burgeoning private space sector and academia. He is currently a consultant at SpaceX, one of the world's leading private aerospace manufacturers and space transport services companies. In this capacity, he leverages his extensive operational experience in human spaceflight to advise on critical aspects of spacecraft design, mission planning, and astronaut training for missions involving the Dragon spacecraft and future endeavors like Starship. Concurrently, he holds a prestigious academic position as a Professor of Astronautics Practice at the University of Southern California's Viterbi School of Engineering. Here, he imparts practical knowledge and real-world insights from his astronaut career to the next generation of aerospace engineers and space explorers, shaping the future of space technology and human spaceflight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garrett Reisman

What were Garrett Reisman's primary roles during his NASA astronaut career?
Garrett Reisman served as a flight engineer during his long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station for Expeditions 16 and 17, and later as a mission specialist for the Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-132 mission. His duties included station maintenance, conducting scientific research, spacewalk support, and assisting with critical cargo deliveries and assembly tasks.
Which Space Shuttle missions did Garrett Reisman participate in?
He flew on two Space Shuttle missions: STS-124 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery in 2008, which brought him back to Earth after his ISS expedition, and STS-132 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2010, an assembly and resupply mission to the ISS.
What is Garrett Reisman's involvement with SpaceX?
As a consultant at SpaceX, Garrett Reisman provides invaluable expertise in human spaceflight operations, contributing to the development of spacecraft like Dragon and Starship, mission design, and astronaut preparation, drawing directly from his experience as a NASA astronaut.
Where does Garrett Reisman teach?
He is a Professor of Astronautics Practice at the University of Southern California's Viterbi School of Engineering, where he shares his extensive practical experience in space exploration with students pursuing careers in aerospace.
How long did Garrett Reisman spend in space during his first mission?
During his initial mission, which encompassed parts of Expedition 16 and Expedition 17 aboard the International Space Station, Garrett Reisman spent a total of 95 days in Earth orbit.