A Swiss Path to Space

The astrophysicist Professor Thomas Zurbuchen has helped shape the course of space exploration. As NASA’s longest continually serving Head of Science from October 2016 through 2022, he oversaw more than 130 missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope, the Perseverance and Ingenuity Mars missions, and the Parker Solar Probe. A champion of innovation and international collaboration, Zurbuchen bridges science, technology, and society. He advocates for hands-on education, ethical research, and the integration of science into policy. Since 2023, he has led ETH Zurich’s Space Centre and works globally as a speaker and advisor, inspiring the next generation of space pioneers.

Please note that the views expressed in this interview are those of the individual and not made on behalf of Rothschild & Co. This interview was conducted by Laura Künlen of Rothschild & Co Wealth Management Switzerland.

A Swiss Path to Space

The astrophysicist Professor Thomas Zurbuchen has helped shape the course of space exploration. As NASA’s longest continually serving Head of Science from October 2016 through 2022, he oversaw more than 130 missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope, the Perseverance and Ingenuity Mars missions, and the Parker Solar Probe. A champion of innovation and international collaboration, Zurbuchen bridges science, technology, and society. He advocates for hands-on education, ethical research, and the integration of science into policy. Since 2023, he has led ETH Zurich’s Space Centre and works globally as a speaker and advisor, inspiring the next generation of space pioneers.

Please note that the views expressed in this interview are those of the individual and not made on behalf of Rothschild & Co. This interview was conducted by Laura Künlen of Rothschild & Co Wealth Management Switzerland.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen Astrophysicist


Q1.

Professor Zurbuchen, your journey has been described as “From Heiligenschwendi to Mars” – a title that brings a smile. Would you say it’s accurate?

Absolutely. The title actually came from a filmmaker who comes from a small Swiss village – Bettmeralp. When he saw the Mars project, he realised what a journey it had been: from a remote hillside to leading Mars missions at NASA. “Heiligenschwendi” sounds just as it is: small, idyllic, almost unreal. And then there is Mars which is seemingly out of reach. The contrast captures the sense of wonder at one’s own life path very well.

Prof. Dr. Zurbuchen’s achievements include launching the international James Webb Space Telescope, overseeing the Cassini mission to Saturn, leading two Mars landings with the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter, and developing the Parker Solar Probe—the first mission to touch the Sun.

Q2.

Do you believe your career path would have been different if you grew up elsewhere?

That’s one of the big questions. Many aspects of life in Heiligenschwendi certainly helped me – the natural surroundings, the community, the education. At the same time, I believe that a different version of myself, in another place or system, might have taken a completely different, but equally exciting path. Where we come from shapes us, yes but it doesn’t determine everything.

Q3.

You lived and worked in the United States for many years. Were there moments when you became particularly aware of being Swiss?

Yes, many. At first, I was surprised by the similarities, such as the deeply rooted sense of personal freedom. In both countries, the individual is central, and there’s a shared scepticism of authoritarian power. Kings or rulers don’t fit either the Swiss or American self-image.

But there are also clear differences. I vividly remember my first visit to a automobile repair shop in the US: I brought my car in for repair – the problem remained. The second time, the same. On the third visit, I explained what was likely broken – they dismissed it. Only on the fourth try was it actually fixed. In Switzerland, that would’ve been resolved on the first attempt. There, “I can do it” usually means I’ve mastered it. This reliability is deeply ingrained in the culture and you only realise how much you miss it when it’s no longer a given. The same goes for punctuality: what we see as standard is treated far more flexibly in the US.