# Stephen Robinson
Who / What
Stephen Kern Robinson is an American former NASA astronaut known for his contributions to space exploration and aerospace engineering. His expertise spans missions involving spacewalks, robotic operations, and scientific research in low Earth orbit.
---
Background & History
Born on **October 26, 1955**, Stephen Robinson was selected as part of NASA’s **20th Astronaut Class** in 1998. Before joining the agency, he served as a pilot and test pilot for the U.S. Air Force, gaining extensive experience in aviation and aerospace systems. His background included roles at Lockheed Martin and McDonnell Douglas, where he worked on advanced aircraft and spacecraft designs.
Robinson’s career in NASA began with training in robotics and spacewalk operations, culminating in his first mission aboard **STS-105** (2001), a Space Shuttle flight that delivered supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). His later missions included **STS-131** (2010), where he served as Commander of the Expedition 26 crew, and his role in the **Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission STS-125**.
---
Why Notable
Stephen Robinson’s career is notable for several key achievements:
Beyond his technical contributions, he is recognized for mentoring younger astronauts and promoting diversity in STEM fields through public speaking engagements.
---
In the News
As of recent records (2023–2024), Robinson remains a respected figure in aerospace history, often cited in discussions about NASA’s legacy missions. While not currently active in spaceflight, his work continues to influence modern astronaut training and robotic systems for future deep-space exploration, including Artemis and Mars missions. His contributions are occasionally referenced in historical retrospectives on the Space Shuttle era.
---
Key Facts
---
