Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Mike Massimino

Former NASA Astronaut, Columbia University Engineering Professor

Mike Massimino Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Former NASA Astronaut, Columbia University Engineering Professor

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Mike Massimino
Speaking Fee:
$20,000 to $30,000

Travels From:
NYC - New York City

Primary Topic Category:
Adventure & Exploration

Secondary Topic Category:
Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles

 

Mike Massimino Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Mike Massimino is a 4-time spacewalker on two missions to the Hubble Space Telescope, including the final Hubble servicing mission which has been called the most dangerous and complex mission in space shuttle history. But he is more than an astronaut – he is a recurring character on The Big Bang Theory, a bestselling author, an engineering professor, an MIT Ph.D, and a popular guest on news and late-night television programs. Mike uses humor and his unique storytelling ability to inspire audiences to identify the passion in their work, use teamwork and innovation to solve problems, and provide leadership in the face of adversity.

Mike Massimino is a former NASA Astronaut, a New York Times bestselling author, a Columbia University professor, an advisor at The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, and a television personality. A spacewalker on the final two Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions, Mike and his crews traveled faster (Mach 26) and higher (350 miles) than any other astronauts in the 21st century while increasing the discovery capabilities of arguably the greatest scientific instrument ever built by a factor of 100. During the final Hubble servicing mission, Mike was faced with both success and life-threatening challenges as he performed the most intricate repair ever attempted in space. Mike set a team record for cumulative spacewalking time on a single space shuttle mission, was the last person to work inside of the Hubble Space Telescope, and was the first person to tweet from space. He persisted through three rejections over 7 years on his way to becoming an astronaut, including overcoming a medical disqualification by training his eyes and brain to see better. Mike has made numerous television appearances and movie cameos, including a recurring role as himself on the CBS comedy The Big Bang Theory.  He was featured in National Geographic Television’s One Strange Rock and in the Netflix series Worn Stories. Mike is a frequent guest on morning shows and late-night television including The Today Show, Good Morning America, and The Daily Show, and a guest expert on network and cable news including NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and CNBC. Mike’s first book, Spaceman: An Astronaut’s Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe, has received rave reviews and is a New York Times best-seller. His second book, Spaceman: The True Story of a Young Boy’s Journey to Becoming an Astronaut (for young readers) is a National Science Teachers Association 2021 Best STEM Book Winner. In Mike’s new book, Moonshot: A NASA Astronaut’s Guide to Achieving the Impossible, he distills stories and insights from NASA into an actionable guide to accomplish your biggest goals.  Mike reveals how to make possible the seemingly impossible—on Earth.  Written with characteristic wit and a big heart, Mike identifies ten hard-earned lessons of spaceflight and his other life experiences.

  • Mike's Messages for Virtual Audiences:

    All of us are dealing with the personal and professional impacts of COVID-19 on our lives, and moving forward in new ways of doing business. Mike’s stories and messages about how perseverance, teamwork, and leadership have helped him and his teammates get through difficult times in space and on Earth are especially applicable now.

  • Being Resilient and Adaptable in Times of Change and Uncertainty

    Mike’s second space flight was one of the last of the Space Shuttle Program. It was time for NASA to retire the shuttle and move on to the next phase in space exploration. That next phase included flying exclusively on the Russian Soyuz for a few years, and working with commercial companies to provide launch services in the future. Many at NASA did not want to accept these changes. But the last few years have shown that those who accepted these changes have thrived, while those who resisted are no longer contributing. We may not like the new world we are now living in that has forced us to change the way we do business. But by accepting change and knowing that change can provide unseen opportunities, we can still shoot for the stars.

  • Working with Your Team and Clients Over Distance

    Mike and his fellow astronauts spent hours in simulators practicing how they would work and communicate with their support team in the Mission Control Center (MCC) while literally a world apart. He also spent years as a Capcom (Spacecraft Communicator) in MCC communicating with and supporting astronauts in space. Critical problems arose during Mike’s final spacewalk on the Hubble Space Telescope, and even though support team members were at various locations on Earth, they were able to save the day for Mike in space. Although we are now physically separated from each other today due to COVID-19, we can strive to be the person that people can call for help. Reach out and try to be someone else’s Mission Control Center.

  • Resourcefulness when Recovering from Tragedy and Disappointment

    Mike’s first spaceflight was on Space Shuttle Columbia. On Columbia’s next voyage, the crew and the space shuttle were lost during reentry. It was devastating to lose seven of his friends in an instant. While grieving and consoling the families of those fallen heroes, another reality set in: what would happen to the future of the space program? The International Space Station was not yet completed and the Hubble Space Telescope needed repair. Mike and his colleagues would not let the loss of their friends be in vain. Innovative procedures, tools, and techniques were developed to get the shuttle flying again to finish that important work. Mike shares stories of how that same effort and attitude is needed now to recover from the effects of COVID-19 on our businesses and lives.

  • Dealing with Isolation

    Mike’s NASA training taught him valuable lessons on how to thrive in isolation. Some tips are: try to embrace the situation; concentrate on meaningful work; keep open the lines of communication between friends, family and co-workers; be respectful of the well-being of your crewmates; keep up your self-care and exercise; enjoy the beauty of our planet; and use time away from the hustle and bustle of our normal daily routines to think introspectively about our lives.
Moonshot Cover Moonshot: A NASA Astronaut’s Guide to Achieving the Impossible
Moonshot: A NASA Astronaut’s Guide to Achieving the Impossible
unnamed 1 Spaceman: The True Story of a Young Boy's Journey to Becoming an Astronaut
Spaceman: The True Story of a Young Boy's Journey to Becoming an Astronaut
41ROZI aHrL Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe
Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe
“It went absolutely amazing! He did a great job and the audience gave him a standing ovation. He is wonderful and we would definitely love to have him as a keynote speaker again!” - Associate Producer at Kindle Communications “Our leaders were inspired by your story and I believe walked away with a renewed sense of purpose and ready to focus on our new aspiration and goal. Your determination has encouraged us to think differently and be more courageous in our pursuits to impact society.” - CEO, Pfizer Mike delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking session titled "Private Space Travel and the Future of Spaceflight." The timing couldn't have been more perfect, and the event was nothing short of spectacular! It was a privilege to share this fantastic experience with my amazing MetTel customers, who were equally inspired and moved by Mike's words.” - Head of Corporate Communications, MetTel
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