TerraSpace adds former USGS chief and NASA astronaut James Reilly as senior advisor

TerraSpace has named Dr. James F. Reilly II, a former U.S. Geological Survey director and NASA astronaut, as senior advisor. The Austin company is betting his background will help sharpen its push into critical minerals, exploration technology and space resources strategy.

Why it matters: - TerraSpace is trying to speed up how operators identify and evaluate critical minerals on Earth. - The company is also positioning its resource intelligence platform for future space exploration and off-world development. - Reilly’s mix of geology, government leadership and spaceflight gives TerraSpace a high-profile advisor for both terrestrial and space resources.

What happened: - TerraSpace announced June 8, 2026, that Dr. James F. Reilly II joined the company as a senior advisor. - Reilly is a former Director of the U.S. Geological Survey, former NASA astronaut and career exploration geologist. - TerraSpace is based in Austin, Texas.

The details: - Reilly led the U.S. Geological Survey from 2018 to 2021. - He flew on three Space Shuttle missions. - Reilly completed five spacewalks, worked on the Russian Mir space station and helped construct the International Space Station. - He logged more than 856 hours in space. - Before NASA, Reilly worked as an exploration geologist and became chief geologist of the Offshore Region at Enserch Exploration. - TerraSpace’s SmartScan platform analyzes geologic samples on site by fusing multiple sensors and using proprietary algorithms. - The company says SmartScan can characterize subsurface resources faster and at lower cost than traditional lab-based methods. - TerraSpace says the technology is designed to reduce long delays tied to off-site mineral analysis and help operators make faster drilling, exploration and development decisions. - TerraSpace develops AI-powered subsurface resource intelligence systems for mine-site use and long-term space resource applications. - The company’s SmartScan system combines machine learning, data analysis and geospatial intelligence to improve resource discovery on Earth. - More information is available at TerraSpace’s website. - TerraSpace also shared social channels on LinkedIn, YouTube and X.

Between the lines: - TerraSpace is signaling that it wants credibility with both mining customers and space-focused stakeholders. - Reilly’s background suggests the company is leaning on government, scientific and aerospace expertise as it scales. - The appointment also reflects growing interest in critical minerals as a national security and economic resilience issue.

What’s next: - TerraSpace said Reilly will advise as the company scales its technology. - The company also plans to deepen work across terrestrial and off-planet resource exploration. - TerraSpace is expanding its advisory bench with leaders and experts focused on mining and space exploration. - The company’s longer-term goal is to support future space exploration and off-world resource development.