EMF Aerospace
Four spaceflights. Nine spacewalks. Two tours as commander of the International Space Station. 549 days in space, flying to the International Space Station aboard Soyuz (twice), the Space Shuttle, and Crew Dragon. Mike Fincke draws on that record — and on a career as a U.S. Air Force flight test engineer — for keynotes, university presentations, corporate events, and panels that help audiences reach further.
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Beyond the Keynote
Mike doesn't leave when the talk ends — if you want him to stay.
Most speakers deliver their remarks and head for the airport. When it fits the event, Mike is glad to stay — working the room, taking selfies, and talking with attendees one-on-one. It's the organizer's call, but guests consistently say those personal moments were the highlight.
Speaking Topics
Inspiring the Next Generation
Dream big, work hard, and serve others. Mike shares the real story of a childhood dream chased through decades of study and setbacks, showing what it actually takes to reach for something extraordinary. A high-energy talk built to spark curiosity and unstoppable optimism.
How to Become an Astronaut
The honest path: education, persistence, technical excellence, service, fitness, and teamwork. Mike walks audiences through what NASA actually looks for, the setbacks along the way, and how to be ready the moment opportunity knocks. A favorite for university and STEM audiences.
Leadership from Orbit
Hard-won lessons from commanding the International Space Station twice: trust your team, communicate with total clarity, set clear intent, and lead with humility. Mike translates crew leadership under real pressure into practical takeaways for executive teams.
Ready for Anything
How astronauts train for uncertainty, manage risk, and keep performing when the plan falls apart. Mike draws on flight test and spaceflight experience to show teams how to build genuine readiness, not just contingency plans. A strong fit for military and operational audiences.
Failure Is Data
A flight-test mindset for honest debriefs, relentless improvement, and turning every setback into progress. Mike shares real stories of failure — his own and NASA's — and how disciplined post-mortems turn mistakes into better outcomes. Ideal for engineering and leadership teams.
International Teamwork in Space
What spaceflight teaches about cooperation, culture, respect, and getting hard things done with people from every corner of the globe. Mike has lived and worked alongside crewmates from Russia, Japan, Europe, and beyond. A natural fit for global organizations and policy audiences.
Commercial Space and Building Hard Things
What it actually takes to build in aerospace: technical rigor, operational discipline, and the judgment to know which risks are worth taking. Mike draws on his transition from NASA astronaut to advising commercial space and startup teams. Built for founders, investors, and teams building hard technology.
The Future of Human Spaceflight
From Shuttle to Soyuz to Dragon — and onward to the Moon, Mars, and humanity's boundless future among the stars. Mike offers a first-hand, technically grounded view of where human spaceflight is headed next. A compelling closer for conferences and public programming.
Audiences
Government & Military
NASA centers, defense installations, and public agencies looking for lessons in operational leadership and mission readiness.
Universities & Policy Institutions
Engineering schools, policy seminars, and global affairs programs exploring the technical and strategic future of space.
Industry & Aerospace Companies
Commercial space, aviation, and technology organizations building the next generation of flight and exploration.
Students & the Next Generation
STEM programs, schools, and youth events built to spark curiosity and inspire kids to dream big.
Selected Appearances and Outreach
NASA Crew-11 Postflight Return and Public Update
Mission completion, postflight recovery, teamwork, and human spaceflight medicine.
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Crew-11 Visit
ISS science operations, payload integration, mission highlights, and employee engagement.
SpaceX Crew-11 Postflight Appearance
Commercial Crew, Dragon operations, crew safety, and NASA-industry partnership.
Boeing and SpaceX Crew-11 Postflight Visit at Kennedy Space Center
Flight test culture, spacecraft development, launch operations, and mission assurance.
MIT AeroAstro / MIT Media Lab / MIT Space Policy Seminar
Space policy, aerospace engineering, innovation, exploration strategy, and leadership.
Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs Outer Space Symposium
Space security, international cooperation, global policy, and the strategic importance of space.
RAND School / RAND Corporation
Commercial space, government acquisition, risk management, and why complex aerospace systems succeed or fail.
Empower Users’ Group Workshop Keynote
Situational awareness, earned value management, program discipline, and lessons from spacecraft operations.
Ellison S. Onizuka Exploration Day and Hawaii STEM Events
STEM inspiration, exploration, perseverance, and encouraging students to dream big.
Pennsylvania Aerospace & Aviation Day at the State Capitol
Aerospace workforce, aviation heritage, STEM education, and public service.
Expedition 73/74 Washington, DC Postflight Visit
ISS operations, international partnership, NASA engagement, and student outreach.
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Visit
Operational resilience, joint leadership, military service, aerospace careers, and lessons from orbit.