Four spacewalks completed during the STS-116 mission earned Robert Curbeam a place in flight history, establishing a record for the most extravehicular activity conducted by an individual during a single spaceflight. Born in Baltimore in 1962, he transitioned from a career as a United States Navy captain to a high-profile role in national space operations and private industry.
Academic and Military Foundation
After graduating from Woodlawn High School in 1980, he attended the United States Naval Academy, receiving a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering in 1984. He continued his technical education at the Naval Postgraduate School, earning a master's degree in aeronautical engineering in 1990 followed by a master's degree in astronautical engineering in 1991. His military service included training as a Naval Flight Officer and deployments on the USS Forrestal with Fighter Squadron 11. In 1991, he completed his studies at the United States Naval Test Pilot School.
Professional Engineering and Test Roles
Before joining the space program, he served as a project officer for the F-14A/B Air-to-Ground Weapons Separation Program within the Strike Aircraft Test Directorate. His technical proficiency was recognized with the Fighter Wing One Radar Intercept Officer of the Year award in 1989 and the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School Best Developmental Thesis Award. In 1994, he returned to the Naval Academy as an instructor in the Weapons and Systems Engineering Department.
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Selected by NASA in 1994, he participated in three distinct spaceflights. His first mission, STS-85 in 1997, involved atmospheric research and testing technology for the International Space Station. In 2001, he served on STS-98, where he helped install the Destiny laboratory module. His final mission, STS-116 in 2006, focused on reconfiguring the station's electrical grid and installing a new truss segment. Throughout these flights, he logged over 901 hours in space.
Ground-Based Responsibilities
Between his flight assignments, he served as a spacecraft communicator, managing voice links between mission control and crews in orbit. He eventually became the CAPCOM Branch Chief. In early 2002, he moved to NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., serving as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety and Mission Assurance.
Private Sector and Community Engagement
He departed NASA in 2007 to pursue opportunities in the private sector and currently serves as the president and CEO of Astrotech Space Operations. Beyond his professional engineering career, he has engaged in athletic coaching, serving as an assistant for the Clear Lake High School boys lacrosse team in Houston, Texas. In 2011, he guided the team to the Texas High School Lacrosse League South District Championship semifinals.
Fast facts
- Born: 1962, Baltimore, United States
- Education: United States Naval Academy, 1984
- Military Rank: Captain, United States Navy
- Spaceflights: STS-85, STS-98, STS-116
- Cumulative space time: Over 901 hours
- Record: Four spacewalks during a single flight
- Current position: President and CEO, Astrotech Space Operations
Questions readers ask
How many spacewalks did Robert Curbeam conduct during his career?
He logged over 45 hours in space during multiple spacewalks, including a record-breaking four during the STS-116 mission.
What engineering roles did he hold at NASA?
He worked in the Computer Support Branch, served as a spacecraft communicator, and acted as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety and Mission Assurance.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at United States Naval Academy, Naval Postgraduate School and United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and engineer
