Mauro Prina

Mauro Prina is an accomplished engineering professional with extensive experience in thermal dynamics, currently serving as the Director of Thermal Dynamics at SpaceX since November 2007. In this role, Mauro has led the team responsible for the thermal design of upgraded Falcon 9 rockets, Falcon Heavy vehicles, and the Crew Dragon spacecraft. Prior positions include Manager of Thermal Dynamics at SpaceX, overseeing the thermal design and implementation of the Dragon spacecraft for the International Space Station, and Thermal Engineer, where Mauro designed the backshell Thermal Protection System for the inaugural Dragon capsule launched in 2010. Mauro's previous experience includes a role as a Thermal Engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory from 2001 to 2007, focusing on the design and testing of heat switches for cryocoolers. Mauro’s educational qualifications include a Post Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from Caltech and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano.