John “Danny” Olivas Headshot
Report a problem with this profile
[email protected]

John “Danny” Olivas    

Former NASA Astronaut & Mission Assurance Expert; Co-Director of the Visual Intelligence & Multimedia Analytics Laboratory at the University of Southern California

Dr. John “Danny” Olivas is a former NASA astronaut who has participated in two space shuttle missions, STS-117 and STS-128 and performed five spacewalks. He has accumulated a total of 27 days, 17 hours, and 5 minutes in space. His first space shuttle mission was STS-117, where he performed two spacewalks and gained 14 hours and 13 minutes of EVA experience. STS-128 was his second space shuttle mission, where he served as a mission specialist and performed three spacewalks.

Dr. Olivas is presently the co-director of the Visual Intelligence and Multimedia Analytics Laboratory at the University of Southern California, researching the uses of artificial intelligence in space-related endeavors. In 2013, he joined the University of Texas at El Paso as Director of the Center for the Advancement of Space Safety and Mission Assurance Research (CASSMAR), where he oversees space initiatives on campus. He was selected by NASA in 1998 as an astronaut candidate and went through extensive training. During his NASA tenure, he had various technical roles within the Robotics Branch and the EVA (Extravehicular Activity) Branch.

Dr. Olivas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso, a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Houston, and a PhD in mechanical engineering and materials science from Rice University. He is also recognized for his contributions to materials science. Beyond his space career, he appeared as a contestant on Nickelodeon's revival of "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?" in 2019. He is the recipient of the NASA Exceptional Service medal, NASA Exceptional Achievement medal, and two NASA Space Flight medals. He is also the recipient of the 2006 University of Texas at El Paso Distinguished Alumni and the 2020 Rice Engineering Outstanding Alumni awards.

Speech Topics


Mission Success: Mission Assurance and Lessons Learned In Space™

Many industries share commonality with the hazards associated with human spaceflight — particularly those where potential for product or system failures may lead to serious safety issues for customers/employees or result in significant financial loss. Olivas uses Lessons Learned in Space™ to encourage companies to challenge their own internal procedures to aim for failsafe processes. Through real-world examples developed in the crucible of the space exploration, Olivas inspires corporate audiences to Think Like an Astronaut™ to improve workplace and product safety.

Ticket to Ride: The Near Future of Commercial Manned Space Travel

Across the globe, private enterprise is stepping into the domain once occupied by government endeavors. How soon will an average traveler by able to purchase a ticket to space? Perhaps sooner than you think. Olivas discusses the current state of human spaceflight and explores what it takes to journey to the Moon, to Mars and outer destinations in the Solar System.

Space Capsules: True but little-known versions of mission-saving orbital inventions

While accounts of catastrophic space-shuttle failures are now part of American history, many of the official reports from successful missions omit the facts of last-minute fixes from orbit that prevented disasters. Olivas weaves these little-known details into anecdotes about how astronauts in space, specialists on Earth, and some ordinary people contributed to out-of-the-box inventions and how everyone’s contribution is essential to mission success.

How Does Space Smell?: The wonders of shuttle travel from lift-off to touch-down

Fewer than 150 people have made the trip from Earth to the International Space Station, but most people are curious about the voyage. Olivas invites the audience along for the ride, using anecdotes, film and photos from his two missions, spacewalks, and historic orbital repair of the space shuttle.

Related Speakers View all


More like John