Robert Trevino serves as the Deputy Project Manager of the EVA Technology Development Project at NASA. He is a long time friend and the colleague I worked with on the Hubble Space Telescope before it was taken into orbit. He attended the University of Texas and graduated with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Today, Robert is working on projects that include developing a new lunar rover for NASA’s Artemis program.
Robert joins me today to discuss his role in training NASA astronauts. He describes his life growing up in San Antonio, Texas, and what informed his early interest in flight, airplanes, gliders, and kites. He recounts his experience working in a college library while pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering. He also explains his transition from engineering to mission operations, highlights why being an astronaut is not the only cool job in NASA and offers advice to young people interested in joining the space industry.
“I really did feel part of the teams because I got to work directly with the spacewalking crew members and their training. And not just the shuttle contingencies, but specifically what they would be doing.” - Robert Trevino
This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:
- Robert’s background and life growing up
- What led him to choose engineering drafting at the vocational tech college
- The role of an engineering draftsman in planning or building an airplane
- His job working at an aircraft company after high school
- Why Robert decided to go to college and pursue a degree in Aeronautical Engineering
- What he learned from joining the work-study program and working in a college library
- Robert’s time at the University of Texas and his transition to the US Navy
- Joining NASA at the early stages of the shuttle program
- His work on the STS-1 and how he ended up training astronauts
- How Robert transitioned from engineering to missions operation
- Robert’s work on NASA’s Artemis program
Our Favorite Quotes:
- “I learned from working at the library to pay attention to detail and be careful with certain things. I learned to do a good job, and I didn’t try to rush.” - Robert Trevino
- “I encourage young people to apply to NASA and commercial companies, which are growing rapidly. Get an internship and find out what you really like to do.” - Robert Trevino
Connect with Robert Trevino:
Spaceship Not Required
I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.
I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.
In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are--spaceship not required.
Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.
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