Mike Mongo is author of widely-praised children’s book The Astronaut Instruction Manual. As an author and STEM/STEAM educator, he works to encourage young students to pursue careers in space science and space STEAM-related fields.

He is vice-president of interstellar space science advocacy group, Icarus Interstellar, and strategic director of interstellar space science summit, Starship Congress. He serves as At-Large Board Member on the board of Students for Exploration & Development of Space (SEDS) and is the oldest active student member in the history of SEDS-USA.

Mike is creator of the Space is for Everybody and BUILD A STARSHIP initiatives, and is based out of Key West, FL, where he lives with his wife Leonie Thompson-Mongo and a rollicking cast of outdoor cats. His book, The Astronaut Instruction Manual, has recently been optioned and is currently in television series pre-production by Legendary Pictures.