Former Astronaut and Mission Commander of space shuttle Columbia, Colonel Rick Searfoss, is a renowned speaker, consultant and author that shares his expert knowledge on topics that relate to science, technology, aeronautics, space, NASA, leadership, risk and challenge.
Initially starting his career as a fighter and test pilot for the US Air Force, Rick spent over 6100 hours flying some of the most impressive aircraft to have ever been made. He went on to become a distinguished graduate of the US Air Force Fighter Weapons School and US Naval Test Pilot School, holding executive positions in the Air Force for a number of years.
Rick was then selected to become one of only a handful of people in the world to become an astronaut. Taking on vigorous tests and training, Rick went on to pilot two space flights and commanded a third. The third mission, aboard the space shuttle Columbia, Rick went on to command and has been regarded as one of the most complex space life science missions ever flown.
Rick is known for being a highly distinguished individual, being the only astronaut to have achieved the National Speakers Association Certified Speaking Professional award. He also holds a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the USAF Academy and a master of science degree in aeronautics from the California Institute of Technology on a National Science Foundation Fellowship.
An exceptionally impressive individual, Rick accomplished what many would never dare to, he has pushed himself to achieve the very best and thus has become part of a small number of elite individuals that have experienced what it is like to be pushed out of your comfort zone into an environment that is completely alien to the human body and mind. He is able to inspire and excite his audience with his incredible stories of space exploration, insight on teamwork and leadership, and how to manage risk and take on challenges in a dangerous settings. As a result of this, Rick makes for a compelling listen at all manner of events, conferences and functions.
