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Thomas H. Zurbuchen

Venture Partner at RPM Ventures

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Overview

Thomas H. Zurbuchen holds the position of Venture Partner at RPM Ventures [1]. Zurbuchen served as the longest continually serving head of science at NASA from October 2016 through December 2022, with responsibility for missions including the James Webb Space Telescope and Perseverance rover [2]. Zurbuchen holds a PhD and MS in Physics and Astrophysics from the University of Bern, completed between 1987 and 1996 [11]. Current roles include Professor leading the Space program at ETH Zürich [3], Board Member positions at Firefly Aerospace [7], the Earth Species Project [6], and Schindler Group [8], and Board Member at The McKinley Companies [9]. Zurbuchen also operates as an Explorer, Innovator, Speaker, and Searcher through Thomas Zurbuchen, LLC [4].

Profile introduction
Source excerptLinkedIn [2]

I love to explore, to lead teams, to coach, and to innovate. I like to be part of teams that take things to the next level, that do not back off in the face of challenges, and that tackle worthwhile goals. I have been involved in building space instruments, and in building the UM's entrepreneurial and innovation programs. From October 2016 through December 2022, I worked at NASA as the longest continually serving head of science and, in part responsible for the success of JWST, Perseverance, and others. I am now reflecting on my lessons learned in leadership, innovation, and space and giving s…

Career history

  1. Prof, lead ETHZ| SpaceAug 2023 to presentETH Zürich
  2. Explorer, Innovator, Speaker, SearcherJan 2023 to presentThomas Zurbuchen, LLC
  3. Venture PartnerJul 2026 to presentRPM Ventures
  4. Board MemberOct 2025 to presentEarth Species Project
  5. Board MemberMay 2025 to presentFirefly Aerospace
  6. Member Board of DirectorsApr 2024 to presentSchindler Group
  7. Board MemberMar 2023 to presentThe McKinley Companies
  8. Member of the Board of AdvisorsJan 2024 to Jul 2026Voyager Space

Education

  1. PhD, MS, Physics, Astrophysics1987 - 1996University of Bern
  2. Gymnasium Thun1987 - 1990

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