Rick Searfoss
Colonel Rick Searfoss shares with only a handful of people in history the sublime joys of actually flying in space. In his career he has led many different teams, including commanding the most complex science research space mission ever, the STS-90 Neurolab flight on Columbia. He also piloted two other space flights, including a joint Russian-American mission to the Mir space station.
Prior to becoming an astronaut, Colonel Searfoss was a fighter pilot and test pilot in the U.S. Air Force, with over 5900 hours flying time in 71 different types of aircraft. A distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School, his recent test flying work includes flying the EZ Rocket technology and Rocket Racer prototype demonstrator aircraft as test pilot and Director of Flight Operations for XCOR Aerospace (www.xcor.com). Rick is currently the only tri-qualified liquid-propellant rocket pilot in the world.
As the Chief Judge for the $10 million Ansari X Prize, Rick built and led the judging team that developed the verification methodologies and protocols to validate the successful accomplishments of all the X Prize requirements. He has also held executive level positions in the aerospace industry and consults regularly for numerous entrepreneurial space companies such as the Zero Gravity Corporation.
Rick stays very active on the corporate speaking circuit as a high-content expert speaker on the topics of leadership, teamwork, innovation and peak performance (www.astronautspeaker.com). His extensive leadership experience and work with some of the most innovative companies of the new millennium enable him to fulfill his mission of sharing the teamwork, leadership and innovation lessons of human space flight while bringing the wonder of Space to Earth for all to enjoy.
Colonel Searfoss completed a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the USAF Academy in 1978, a master of science degree in aeronautics from the California Institute of Technology on a National Science Foundation Fellowship in 1979 and USAF Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College.
His numerous awards include the Harmon, Fairchild, Price and Tober Awards as the number one overall, academic, engineering and aeronautical engineering graduate in his USAF Academy class, Air Force Aero Propulsion Laboratory Excellence in Turbine Engine Design award. USAF Squadron Officer's School Commandant's Trophy as top graduate. Tactical Air Command F-111 Instructor Pilot of the Year, Outstanding Young Men of America, Air Force Commendation Medals and Meritorious Service Medals, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal. NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Legion of Merit.
An avid model rocketeer and science fiction reader as a youngster, Rick grew up enthralled with flying and space in the amazing days of Apollo and America's push for the moon. He now passionately supports private space ventures as essential to truly open the final frontier. Rick resides in California with his wife and daughters, who have always graciously and patiently supported his flying and space habits!