Stephen Robinson performed the first in-flight exterior repair of a Space Shuttle while orbiting Earth in 2005. During the STS-114 mission, he ventured outside the Discovery to extract protruding gap fillers from the heat shield. This precise maneuver ensured the vehicle's safety during atmospheric reentry, marking a critical moment in human spaceflight history.
Academic Foundation
Robinson graduated from Campolindo High School in 1973. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical and aeronautical engineering from the University of California, Davis in 1978. Subsequently, he attended Stanford University, where he obtained a Master of Science in 1985 and a doctorate in 1990. His doctoral research emphasized turbulence physics and human eye dynamics.
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Starting as a student intern at the Ames Research Center in 1975, Robinson transitioned to a research scientist role in 1979. He specialized in fluid dynamics and aerodynamics. In 1990, he became Chief of the Experimental Flow Physics Branch at Langley Research Center. He later served as a visiting engineer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he conducted neurovestibular research and studied EVA dynamics.
Astronaut Missions
Selected for the NASA Astronaut Corps in 1995, Robinson participated in four missions: STS-85, STS-95, STS-114, and STS-130. During his service, he acted as a mission specialist and flight engineer. On STS-130, he served as Intravehicular Officer, managing the installation of the Node 3 module and Cupola at the International Space Station. He also served as CAPCOM for multiple shuttle flights.
Post-Spaceflight Academic Tenure
Robinson retired from the astronaut corps in July 2012. He transitioned to academia as a professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department at the University of California, Davis. He directs the Center for Human/Robotics/Vehicle Integration and Performance, focusing on advanced engineering research. Outside of professional commitments, he plays lead guitar in the rock band Max Q.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955, Sacramento, California
- Education: Stanford University, University of California, Davis
- Space Missions: STS-85, STS-95, STS-114, STS-130
- Notable First: Performed first in-flight Space Shuttle exterior repair
- Notable First: Recorded first podcast from space in 2005
- Current Position: Professor at University of California, Davis
- Band Membership: Max Q
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the STS-114 repair mission?
It was the first Return to Flight mission following the Columbia disaster, and Robinson became the first human to conduct an emergency repair on the exterior of an orbiting Shuttle.
What does Stephen Robinson do now?
He is a full-time professor at the University of California, Davis, where he directs the Center for Human/Robotics/Vehicle Integration and Performance.
Achievements
- Affiliated with University of California, Davis and National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at Stanford University, University of California, Davis and Campolindo High School
- Worked as astronaut
