Robert C. Springer logged over 237 hours in space as a mission specialist on two National Aeronautics and Space Administration Space Shuttle flights between 1989 and 1990. A retired United States Marine Corps Colonel, his career spanned combat service as a naval aviator and technical roles in the development of Shuttle systems prior to his orbital missions.
Military Service and Aviation
Born in St. Louis in 1942, Springer graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1964 and entered the Marine Corps. After receiving aviator wings in 1966, he flew F-4 Phantom II fighters with VMFA-513. During his deployments, he completed 300 combat missions in F-4 aircraft and 250 additional missions in O-1 Bird Dogs and UH-1 Iroquois helicopters. By 1975, he had graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, where he conducted maiden flights for the AH-1T helicopter and tested over 20 distinct fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Technical Assignments at NASA
Selected by NASA in May 1980, Springer became an astronaut in August 1981. His pre-flight technical contributions included working as a support crew member for STS-3 and coordinating the final operational development of the Remote Manipulator System. Between 1984 and 1985, he served as a CAPCOM at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center for seven flights. Later, he oversaw the recertification and reverification of the Space Shuttle fleet following the return to flight program.
Spaceflight Missions
Springer participated in two Space Shuttle missions. In March 1989, he served as a mission specialist on STS-29 aboard Discovery, which completed 80 orbits over five days to deploy a Tracking and Data Relay Satellite and conduct various scientific experiments. In November 1990, he joined the crew of Atlantis for STS-38, a five-day mission focused on Department of Defense operations. He concluded his career by retiring from both NASA and the Marine Corps in December 1990.
Fast facts
- Born: 1942, St. Louis
- Military Rank: Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
- Spaceflight Time: Over 237 hours
- Total Flying Time: 4,500 hours
- Education: United States Naval Academy, 1964
- Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal
Questions readers ask
What aircraft did Robert C. Springer fly in combat?
He flew F-4 Phantom II fighters, O-1 Bird Dogs, and UH-1 Iroquois helicopters.
When did Springer retire from the Marine Corps?
He retired in December 1990.
Achievements
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star Medal
- Air Medal
- Recorded as military officer and astronaut
