by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
Are you interested in learning about the life of an astronaut? If so, you might be interested in listening to retired National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut Col. Robert “Bob” Springer talk about his space travels.
Springer will share “Stories of a Small Town Boy in Space” at the Stearns History Museum’s sixth annual History Makers Gala from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, May 11 at the Gorecki Center on the College of St. Benedict campus.
Springer, 74, was born in St. Louis, Mo. but considers Ashland, Ohio, his hometown. He graduated from Ashland High School, received a bachelor’s degree in naval science from the U.S. Naval Academy, and a master’s degree in operations research and systems analysis from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Springer was commissioned into the U.S. Marines and achieved the rank of colonel. He served two tours in Vietnam, completing more than 300 combat missions flying F-4 phantoms and more than 250 missions flying helicopters. Springer was a test pilot for more than 20 aircraft during his military career.
He was selected by NASA to become an astronaut in 1980 and became one in August 1981, logging more than 237 hours in space.
Springer worked as orbit capsule communicator in the Mission Control Center for seven flights between 1984 and 1985, relaying complex information from Mission Control in a concise message to the orbiting astronauts.
His first mission on the STS-29 Discovery, launched March 13, 1989. While in orbit, the crew deployed a tracking and data-relay satellite and captured more than 4,000 photographs of Earth.
Springer’s second mission on the STS-38 Atlantis, launched Nov. 15, 1990 and was a Department of Defense classified mission.
During his career, Springer has received many honors and awards. While serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Springer received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Navy Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal (second award), Navy Achievement Medal, NASA Space Flight Medal, Intelligence Achievement Medal, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation and various Vietnam Campaign ribbons and service awards.
He has been a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, the Marine Corps Aviation Association and the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. Springer was also a member of the Operations Research Society and the Military Operations Research Society. In 1977, he was named one of the Jaycees’ Outstanding Young Men in America.
During a telephone interview with The Newsleaders, Springer said he pursued space travel because it seemed to be the next logical step for him. He had the engineering education and the military experience as a test pilot, so the challenge to explore space made sense.
“In my heart I am an explorer and this was a chance to explore the next frontier,” Springer said. “I advise people to take advantage of opportunities that are presented to them. You never know where they will lead. In my case it led to flying in space.”
Springer said when people question why we are going into space with regard to costs, funding and more he said he personally feels as a race when we lose the spark inside of us and quit questioning finding answers to the unknown, then we cease to exist as a human race. We need that challenge and spark to keep us going.
“This is what gets me up in the morning,” he said. “Finding answers to unsolved questions continues to lead us outward.”
Springer said he continues to be involved in a variety of non-profit organizations to help students get involved with science, technology, engineering and math programs. He’s chairman of the board of the Kennedy Space Center Education Foundation.
Springer still works with some of the companies that are continuing to develop new programs for space travel. He also enjoys golf and kayaking.
Springer currently resides in Bevard County, Fla. where the Kennedy Space Center is located. He is married to Deborah and has four children and six grandchildren.
“It’s been fun,” Springer said. “It’s been a joy to have been able to be involved in all of these things.”
The Gala event includes a silent auction, full cash bar and dinner. Springer’s presentation will take place at 7 p.m. following the presentation of the Zapp Historian Award to the St. Cloud Antique Automobile Club.
Tickets may be purchased online at stearns-museum.org., by phone at 320-253-8424 or in person at the Stearns History Museum located at 235 35th Ave. S., St. Cloud.
A past photo shows a younger version of retired NASA astronaut Col. Robert “Bob” Springer, who will share “Stories of a Small Town Boy in Space” at the Stearns History Museum’s sixth annual History Makers Gala from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, May 11 in the Gorecki Center at the College of St. Benedict.
A past photo shows a younger version of retired NASA astronaut Col. Robert “Bob” Springer, who will share “Stories of a Small Town Boy in Space” at the Stearns History Museum’s sixth annual History Makers Gala from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, May 11 at the College of St. Benedict Gorecki Center.
Retired NASA astronaut Col. Robert “Bob” Springer will share “Stories of a Small Town Boy in Space” at the Stearns History Museum’s sixth annual History Makers Gala from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, May 11 at the College of St. Benedict Gorecki Center.
