

Thomas Zurbuchen
Head of science at NASA, overseeing a large budget for space science and Earth science missions. His background is in astrophysics, and he previously worked at the University of Michigan.
Top 5 podcasts with Thomas Zurbuchen
Ranked by the Snipd community

476 snips
Dec 21, 2021 • 1h 53min
#127 Best of 2021: Conversations of the Year
This collection features brilliant minds like Kat Cole, a business leader known for her rise through Focus Brands, and Noreena Hertz, a loneliness expert whose work critiques societal norms. Adam Grant reveals the importance of intellectual humility, while NASA's Thomas Zurbuchen discusses complex decision-making in space missions. Jane McGonigal showcases the benefits of gaming on skills, and Nir Eyal offers strategies to combat distraction. Seth Godin, Angela Duckworth, and Jim Collins further explore creativity, mindset, and trust in relationships, providing invaluable insights from diverse fields.

24 snips
Apr 6, 2021 • 1h 26min
#108 Thomas Zurbuchen: Adventures in Astrophysics
Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, shares his remarkable journey from a curious child fascinated by the night sky to a leader making billion-dollar decisions in space exploration. He talks about the quest for extraterrestrial life, the unique challenges of microgravity aboard the International Space Station, and the complexities of Mars missions. Zurbuchen emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in tackling space debris and discusses the balance between innovation and safety in funding ambitious space projects.

10 snips
Oct 18, 2022 • 30min
NASA’s Science Head on Leading Space Missions with Risk of Spectacular Failure
In this enlightening discussion, Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's Head of Science, dives into the high-stakes world of space missions. He details a groundbreaking asteroid mission, emphasizing teamwork and budget management. Zurbuchen reflects on his remarkable journey from Switzerland to leading innovative projects at NASA. He underscores the importance of embracing failure to foster creativity and shares his insights on maintaining accountability while pushing technological boundaries. This chat is a testament to the power of effective leadership in challenging environments.

4 snips
Nov 1, 2023 • 31min
NASA’s Former Head of Science on What It Takes to Manage Complex, High-Risk Projects
Thomas Zurbuchen, the longest-serving head of science at NASA, shares insights from his experience managing high-stakes, complex projects, including the asteroid mission and the James Webb Space Telescope. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, effective delegation, and viewing failures as learning opportunities. Zurbuchen also discusses the need for a culture of innovation balanced with accountability, and the critical role of trust and communication in international collaborations. His journey reflects a deep passion for science and leadership.

Dec 3, 2024 • 54min
UFOs... Is the truth out there?
Greg Eghigian, a professor of history and bioethics, and Thomas Zurbuchen, the longest-serving head of science at NASA, dive deep into UFOs and UAPs. They explore the historical significance of sightings, from ancient times to Roswell. The duo discusses the challenges and absurdities of classifying UAPs while emphasizing the need for open-minded scientific inquiry. With insights into the Drake Equation, they ponder the potential for extraterrestrial life, all while maintaining a lighthearted tone amidst such a mysterious subject.