Aerospace Engineer & Rocket Propulsion Expert; Founding Member of SpaceX; Founder of Impulse Space; Developer of Merlin Engines

Manhattan Beach, CA, USA
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Tom Mueller Biography

Tom Mueller is an American aerospace engineer and rocket engine designer known for his contributions to spacecraft propulsion and commercial spaceflight. Before joining SpaceX, Mueller spent 15 years at TRW, an aerospace and automotive company, where he managed the propulsion and combustion products department and led the development of the TR-106 rocket engine as lead engineer. In 2001, Mueller began developing a large amateur liquid-fueled rocket engine in a garage, a project that drew the attention of Elon Musk. Mueller holds several United States patents for propulsion technology.

Recruited by Elon Musk to help establish SpaceX, Mueller became the company's first employee. As vice president of propulsion engineering and later chief technology officer of propulsion, Mueller led the team that developed the Merlin 1A and Kestrel engines for Falcon 1, the first liquid-fueled orbital rocket launched by a private company; the Merlin 1C, Merlin 1D, and MVac engines for early versions of Falcon 9; the Draco thrusters for the Dragon spacecraft; and the SuperDraco engines used in the capsule launch escape system. Dragon became the first spacecraft launched by a private company to dock at the International Space Station. Mueller also contributed to the development of SpaceX's most ambitious vehicles, including influencing the decision to use methane as a propellant for interplanetary missions due to its cost efficiency for Mars missions.

Mueller was inducted into the University of Idaho College of Engineering Academy of Engineers and received an honorary doctorate in engineering from the university. His background as a first-generation college student who worked in Idaho's forests to pay for his education has informed his public speaking, where he encourages graduates to pursue careers that align with their skills and passions.

After leaving SpaceX, Mueller founded Impulse Space, a California-based company focused on providing orbital maneuvering vehicles for last-mile payload delivery in low Earth orbit. Impulse Space completed its first mission, LEO Express-1, deploying a small satellite with the Mira vehicle. The company has raised $300 million in a Series C funding round, bringing its total capital raised to $525 million, and has announced plans for delivering medium-sized payloads to the moon. Mueller's career has played a significant role in advancing commercial spaceflight and orbital transportation technologies.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/30/2026.

Tom Mueller Videos

Space Propulsion Development-Tom Mueller (SpaceX-CTO)

Space Propulsion Development-Tom Mueller (SpaceX-CTO)

1of3: Space Propulsion Development-Thomas Mueller (SpaceX-CTO) & Space Pioneer Award

2of3: Space Propulsion Development-Thomas Mueller (SpaceX-CTO)

2of3: Space Propulsion Development-Thomas Mueller (SpaceX-CTO)

2of3: Space Propulsion Development-Thomas Mueller (SpaceX-CTO) & Space Pioneer Award

Tom Mueller Interview

Tom Mueller Interview

Now the long since deleted interview from the New York University Astronomy Society. You might think it strange to hear so many female voices in an...

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  • What topics does Tom Mueller speak about?

    Tom Mueller is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Inventors, Science, Space, STEM, Technology
  • Where does Tom Mueller travel from?

    Tom Mueller generally travels from Manhattan Beach, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Tom Mueller is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Tom Mueller for your event is available upon request. Tom Mueller generally travels from Manhattan Beach, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Garrett Reisman, Sandra Magnus, Michael Lutomski, Victor J. Glover and Megan McArthur. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Tom Mueller for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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