Michael McGrath

Michael Thomas McGrath is a space systems engineer, program leader, and educator with more than four decades of experience across NASA missions, international space programs, and university teaching. He served as Engineering Director at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was involved in the development of spacecraft and instruments supporting 29 missions – primarily for NASA.. 

McGrath began his career in space science instrumentation, contributing to early missions including Voyager and Pioneer Venus. Over time, he moved into leadership roles guiding flight programs, including the Cassini UVIS instrument and NASA’s AIM mission. He also helped advance student-led spacecraft programs, shaping hands-on approaches to engineering education. 

From 2017 to 2023, McGrath worked in the United Arab Emirates, advising senior government leadership on the development of national space capabilities. He helped establish the NNSTC at UAE University, and co-developed the UAE Space Academy for the UAE Space Agency. His work included leading the international collaboration efforts tied to the Emirates Mars Mission. 

In parallel with his engineering career, McGrath has taught spacecraft design at the University of Colorado for over 20 years, focusing on practical engineering judgment and mission-based learning. His current interests center on how space programs are built and sustained—across technical, institutional, and international dimensions—and how to better prepare the next generation of space professionals.