Former NASA Astronaut and Air Force Colonel
Cady Coleman: Biography at a Glance
- Dr. Cady Coleman is a celebrated former NASA Astronaut and retired Air Force Colonel, with over 180 days in space across two space shuttle missions and a six-month expedition as the Lead Robotics and Science Officer aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
- Her many leadership roles at NASA included Chief of Robotics for the Astronaut Office and Lead Astronaut for supply ship integration, where she pioneered strategic partnerships with SpaceX and others, paving the way for commercial spaceflight collaborations that are now commonplace.
- On her second space shuttle mission, she deployed the $1.6 billion Chandra telescope into orbit just hours after she and her crew expertly navigated one of the most dangerous launches in the history of the shuttle.
- Renowned for her uncanny ability to make the extraordinary feel relatable, Cady’s candid talks translate her experiences in the high-stakes world of space exploration into stories and lessons that resonate deeply with her audiences.
- Her insights into working in high-stakes, high-pressure environments provide a masterclass in leading with purpose and fostering teams that succeed, when collaboration and communication mean the difference between catastrophic failure and monumental success.
- During her tenure, Cady was NASA’s top astronaut spokesperson and the network’s first choice to cover critical space events; she continues to be a highly sought-after media advisor and commentator.
- Cady’s book, Sharing Space, brings readers along on her extraordinary journey and shares invaluable lessons about life, leadership, and what it took to succeed in a role that wasn’t built with her in mind.
Videos
Biography
In 2010, Dr. Cady Coleman boarded a rocket and blasted off into space for her third NASA mission, a six-month expedition to the International Space Station where she was the only woman on her crew. Cady spent years overcoming obstacles in competitive, high-performance environments, including grappling with her own doubts and training in an oversized spacesuit when NASA eliminated the smaller size, effectively grounding a third of the women astronauts. Undeterred, she became a success story in a role that wasn’t built with her in mind—an astronaut who is also a mother, Air Force colonel, scientist, and leader. Her determination and amazing spaceflight experiences give her a unique perspective on how to set yourself up for success, in space and here on Earth.
Renowned for her uncanny ability to make the extraordinary feel relatable, Cady’s candid talks translate her experiences in the high-stakes world of space exploration into stories and lessons that resonate deeply with audiences ranging from corporate leaders and professionals to students and changemakers. While at NASA, she was the astronaut most chosen for key public appearances and speeches. Notably, she bridged Earth and space by giving the opening speech for the 2011 TED Conference from the International Space Station. Cady was also the networks’ top choice to cover critical space events and she continues to be in high demand as a commentator for major news outlets worldwide.
As Lead Robotics and Lead Science Officer aboard the International Space Station, Cady led and performed one of the first robotic captures of a supply ship from the station, a high-risk ballet at 17,500 miles per hour, 250 miles above Earth. During her second shuttle mission, she launched the $1.6 billion Chandra telescope into orbit just hours after she and her crew expertly navigated one of the most dangerous launches in the history of the space shuttle program.
Cady’s leadership positions over her 24-year NASA career included Lead Astronaut for Space Shuttle Tile Repair following the devastating Columbia accident and Chief of Robotics for the Astronaut Office. She spearheaded the first supply ship operations with partners like SpaceX, paving the way for today’s flourishing commercial spaceflight collaborations. Before retiring from NASA, she led open innovation and partnership efforts for NASA’s Chief Technologist.
Cady and her family are featured in one of PBS Independent Lens’ most-streamed documentaries, Space: The Longest Goodbye; and also in The Wonderful: Stories from the Space Station. Her media advising credits include Steven Spielberg’s TV series Extant and, from the Space Station, coaching Sandra Bullock for her Oscar-nominated role in the movie Gravity.
A research affiliate at the MIT Media Lab, Cady also consults on space-related projects for companies and research institutions. She served as Arizona State University’s Global Explorer in Residence and co-hosted their Mission: Interplanetary podcast. She serves on several boards, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Greenfield Community College, and the ISS National Lab Education Advisory Group.
An avid flute player, Cady is best known for her “Space Duet” with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, her orbital solo with the acclaimed Irish band, The Chieftains, and her performances on Earth with Bandella, a band of astronauts.
Cady’s recent book, Sharing Space: An Astronaut’s Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change, brings readers on her extraordinary journey and shares invaluable lessons about life, leadership, and what it took to succeed in a role that wasn’t built with her in mind. The book has garnered praise from international thought leaders like New York Times bestselling author Adam Grant, who described it as “an inspiring, insightful read about how to overcome insecurities, build bonds, and break barriers.” Barbara Barrett, 25th Secretary of the US Air Force said “Sharing Space offers a rare glimpse into the heart of a pioneer, and redefines what it means to lead in an era of unprecedented change.
Cady earned a B.S. in chemistry from MIT in 1983 and a Ph.D. in polymer science and engineering from the University of Massachusetts in 1991. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force, she worked as a research chemist at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base starting in 1988 before being selected as an astronaut in 1992.
Topics
Mission-Driven Leadership: Leading with Purpose in Times of Uncertainty
In the high-stakes world of space exploration, where split-second decisions mean the difference between life and death, mission-driven leadership is the key to success. As a NASA astronaut, Cady Coleman relied on a clear sense of purpose to help guide her teams through critical moments—whether navigating mechanical failures seconds after launch or executing complex robotic maneuvers aboard the Space Station.
In this engaging talk, Cady draws parallels between her extraordinary experiences and the challenges leaders in every industry face in today’s fast-paced, uncertain environment. She shares how staying focused on a shared mission enables leaders to prioritize effectively, make tough decisions under pressure, and inspire their teams to deliver results. Through compelling stories and actionable insights, Cady equips leaders with the tools to foster trust, resilience, and clarity of purpose—empowering organizations to adapt to change, navigate uncertainty, and achieve their most ambitious goals.
One Team, One Mission: Teamwork in High-Stakes Environments
Imagine launching into space and spending six months on the International Space Station (ISS) with a team you didn’t choose and may barely know. In space, success is about every individual playing their role to the fullest and contributing to something bigger than themselves. Drawing from her six months aboard the ISS and two high-stakes Space Shuttle missions, Cady Coleman shares how a shared mission, trust, and individual accountability can transform a team into a force for extraordinary achievement.
Through powerful and relatable stories, Cady demonstrates that your impact on a team is not defined by a title—it’s about being brave enough to show up, bringing your strengths, and open enough to support others to achieve a common goal. Audiences will leave inspired by the power of their individual contributions in driving collective success.
Sharing Space: Breaking Barriers to Be Your Best
What do you do when the tools for success aren’t designed with you in mind? Do you adapt, press for change—or both? This was a challenge Cady Coleman faced repeatedly in her 24-year career as an astronaut. When NASA discontinued the small spacewalking suit, the decision disproportionately impacted women, grounding many skilled astronauts and putting Cady’s dream of living and working on the Space Station at risk. Determined not to let systemic barriers limit her, she forged ahead to master highly technical and physically grueling tasks in a 300-lb suit designed for someone much larger.
Drawing on her remarkable career, Cady shares how she turned obstacles into opportunities, using her experiences to advocate for systemic change and pave the way for greater inclusion at NASA. Her journey of resilience, ingenuity, and advocacy offers powerful insights for anyone navigating systems not built for them. Audiences will leave inspired to break through barriers, embrace innovation, and lead the way toward more inclusive environments in their own worlds.
