Latino Forged.
Mars Tested.
Hi, I’m Elio Morillo—spacecraft engineer who helped land NASA’s Perseverance rover and now leads avionics testing for Blue Origin’s lunar landers; author of The Boy Who Reached for the Stars and advocate for STEM and Latino representation.
The Space Mechanic
From the mountains of Ecuador to the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico and NYC, my path led me to the University of Michigan and ultimately to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory — where I helped humanity take its next giant leap toward Mars.
As a systems engineer on the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, I played a role in one of the most ambitious space exploration missions in history. But my purpose reaches far beyond engineering — I’m driven to inspire the next generation of explorers, innovators, and leaders, especially those from communities too often left out of the conversation.
Through my memoir, The Boy Who Reached for the Stars, dynamic speaking engagements, and media appearances, I share a message rooted in perseverance, education, and the belief that no dream is out of reach — no matter where your journey begins.
NASA Mars Mission
Systems engineer on the historic Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission, contributing to humanity's search for ancient life on Mars and paving the way for future human exploration.
Bestselling Author
"The Boy Who Reached for the Stars" chronicles my journey from Ecuador to NASA, inspiring readers to pursue their dreams despite obstacles and embrace the power of education.
Inspiring Speaker
Keynote speaker at universities, conferences, and corporate events, sharing stories of perseverance, diversity in STEM, and the importance of representation in aerospace.
STEM Advocate
Passionate advocate for Latino representation in STEM fields, mentoring young engineers and promoting diversity in aerospace and space exploration careers.
Media Personality
Featured on PBS Nova, NBC News, Univision, and 50+ media outlets, sharing insights about space exploration and the immigrant experience in America.
Global Impact
Reaching over 1 million people worldwide through social media, speaking engagements, and media appearances, inspiring the next generation of space explorers.
Ready to Reach for the Stars?
Whether you're looking for an inspiring keynote speaker, want to learn from my journey, or are interested in space exploration, let's connect and explore the possibilities together.