Matthew Montgomery is not just a NASA CHAPEA mission astronaut—he’s a dynamic force in both technology and storytelling. An accomplished hardware engineering consultant, Matthew has driven $100M product portfolios for giants like The Home Depot and Walmart. He’s also an award-winning filmmaker, director, and producer with over 20 years in the industry, acclaimed for creating compelling narratives that inspire and elevate. On this mission, Matthew brings his mastery of innovation, resilience, and leadership to tackle the challenges of Mars simulation and beyond.

Show Notes

Masters of Innovation: Engineering Resilience on Mars

Today on Your Partner In Success Radio - I am delighted to welcome Matthew Montgomery, is a Los Angeles-based hardware engineering consultant and a crew member of NASA’s CHAPEA Mars simulation. 

Matthew Montgomery’s selection for NASA’s CHAPEA mission is a direct reflection of his expertise in engineering, technology commercialization, and managing complex, high-stakes projects. The CHAPEA mission is a yearlong Mars analog simulation designed to study how a small crew handles the challenges of living and working in a Mars-like environment, with an emphasis on autonomy, resourcefulness, and problem-solving.

How Matthew’s Background Relates to CHAPEA

Engineering & Technical Skills: His experience in designing and scaling technology—like robotics, LED systems, and control environments—mirrors the hands-on engineering challenges that crew members must tackle inside CHAPEA’s simulated Mars habitat.

Problem Solving Under Pressure: His demonstrated ability to deliver high-value products under strict deadlines and manage the “iron triangle” of schedule, budget, and quality is essential in an isolated, resource-limited setting where success depends on teamwork and adaptability.

Leadership in Cross-Disciplinary Teams: Both start-ups and film production require collaboration across diverse roles, which prepares him for CHAPEA’s multidisciplinary environment, where crew members must combine scientific, technical, and operational skills to achieve mission objectives.

Innovation & Resilience: Navigating the “valley of death” in both engineering and filmmaking gives him the resilience and creativity needed to troubleshoot and innovate when mission systems or group dynamics are under strain.

Connect with Matthew Montgomery: NASA | Website | LinkedIn

SPONSORED BY: This episode of Your Partner In Success Radio is sponsored by Devon Blaine and The Blaine Group, Inc. Devon and her team specialize in standout publicity and crisis management. She introduced us to today’s guest, Matthew Montgomery—a leading engineer and filmmaker on NASA’s CHAPEA Mars mission. Discover how Devon and The Blaine Group get you ahead at TheBlaineGroupInc.com.


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