John “Danny” Olivas
Keynote Speaker: Former NASA Astronaut & Mission Assurance Expert; Co-Director of the Visual Intelligence & Multimedia Analytics Laboratory at the University of Southern California
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John “Danny” Olivas Biography
Dr. John Danny Olivas is a former NASA astronaut, engineer, and materials scientist with a career encompassing spaceflight, accident investigation, and spacesuit development. Olivas was selected as a member of NASA Astronaut Group 17 after advancing at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he served as program manager of the JPL Advanced Interconnect and Manufacturing Assurance Program. He holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering and materials science from Rice University, a Master of Science from the University of Houston, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at El Paso. Olivas holds six U.S. patents and has authored papers in scientific journals and technical conferences.
Olivas flew on two Space Shuttle missions—STS-117 aboard Atlantis and STS-128 aboard Discovery—accumulating more than 668 hours in space and completing five spacewalks totaling over 34 hours of extravehicular activity. During STS-117, he performed the first on-orbit extravehicular activity repair to a Space Shuttle, using a surgical stapler from the crew medical kit to fix a torn thermal protection blanket on Atlantis. He became the first person of Mexican-American heritage to walk in space. On STS-128, Olivas served as a mission specialist, performing three additional spacewalks to help deliver and install the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module on the International Space Station.
Beyond his flights, Olivas contributed to the investigation of the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy. He served on the Spacecraft Crew Survival Integrated Investigation Team, conducting materials investigations on the remnants of the Columbia Crew Module. That work informed the repair techniques later used during STS-117. Olivas also served as an aquanaut on the NEEMO 3 and NEEMO 8 underwater missions and held technical roles in NASA's Robotics Branch, EVA Branch, and Capsule Communicator Branch before retiring from the agency.
After leaving NASA, Olivas became director of systems engineering at Collins Aerospace, supporting the company's space suit and advanced life support systems. In this role, he serves as Collins' chief test astronaut, applying his spacewalk experience to suit design for International Space Station crews and lunar exploration. Olivas is also co-director of the Visual Intelligence and Multimedia Analytics Laboratory at the University of Southern California, researching artificial intelligence applications in space exploration. He previously directed the Center for the Advancement of Space Safety and Mission Assurance Research at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Olivas is a keynote speaker and recipient of two NASA Space Flight Medals, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, as well as the UTEP Distinguished Alumni Award and the Rice Engineering Outstanding Alumni Award. He has appeared on Nickelodeon's revival of "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?" and delivered a TEDx talk at UTEP, discussing diversity of thought and the value of unconventional ideas. His firsthand accounts of spacewalking, orbital repair, and the Columbia investigation provide insight on engineering, innovation, leadership, and perseverance.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on John “Danny” Olivas and other top speakers and celebrities.
John “Danny” Olivas Speaking Topics
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.
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.
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.
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.
John “Danny” Olivas Videos
How do I book John “Danny” Olivas to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like John “Danny” Olivas for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for John “Danny” Olivas, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for John “Danny” Olivas or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book John “Danny” Olivas for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for John “Danny” Olivas, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire John “Danny” Olivas, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does John “Danny” Olivas speak about?
John “Danny” Olivas is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Space, Astronaut, Engineering, Science, Author, Hispanic Heritage, Technology and Diversity & Inclusion.
Where does John “Danny” Olivas travel from?
John “Danny” Olivas generally travels from California, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for John “Danny” Olivas?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like John “Danny” Olivas for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book John “Danny” Olivas for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host John “Danny” Olivas or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
John “Danny” Olivas is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Space, Astronaut and Engineering. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. John “Danny” Olivas generally travels from California, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are José M. Hernández, Garrett Reisman and Serena Auñón-Chancellor. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling John “Danny” Olivas for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
John “Danny” Olivas Speaking Topics
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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.
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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.
VIDEO
John “Danny” Olivas Videos
FAQS
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How do I book John “Danny” Olivas to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like John “Danny” Olivas for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for John “Danny” Olivas, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for John “Danny” Olivas or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book John “Danny” Olivas for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for John “Danny” Olivas, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire John “Danny” Olivas, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does John “Danny” Olivas speak about?
John “Danny” Olivas is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Space, Astronaut, Engineering, Science, Author, Hispanic Heritage, Technology and Diversity & Inclusion. -
Where does John “Danny” Olivas travel from?
John “Danny” Olivas generally travels from California, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for John “Danny” Olivas?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like John “Danny” Olivas for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book John “Danny” Olivas for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host John “Danny” Olivas or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
