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Former NASA engineer teaching next generation of scientists

Frank Robinson had a decorated, 30-year career at NASA. He designed and built electronics used on missions and even worked on the Space Station redesign team.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Wednesday's manned mission will launch from the same pad that sent Apollo 11 to the moon 50 years ago and later many Space Shuttle missions.

A former NASA engineer has a lenghty connection to the program and even that launch pad. Frank Robinson had a decorated, 30-year career at NASA. He designed and built electronics used on missions and even worked on the Space Station redesign team -- a certificate of appreciation hangs in his office.

“To see the evolution of where we are and where we’ve been and where we are today," Robinson said as he paused to reflect.

His contributions are still working their way to the program including projects designed for Mars. But it is the people that Robinson worked with and met along the way that tell an equally impressive story.

He and his family snapped a picture with Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, for example. There's also a signed picture Robinson had framed after working with Guy Bluford, the space shuttle mission specialist and first African American in space. 

Robinson’s focus on safety and science presented a new opportunity after retirement. He works with the next generation, teaching through STEM 2 HUB.

"We try to make science, technology, engineering, math fun for the kids,” Robinson said.

Using drones, robots and other objects to jump-start that interest. Beneath the surface, they learn about computer coding and physics.

One of the groups he works with is the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council.

Mai Trogg and Melanie Wondracek are active in the organization. The pair took part in a series at NASA's Goddard Center in Maryland, which taught on various space and science topics. When they returned, they began an astronomy club for fellow Girl Scouts. 

“It was an interesting experience it was a lot of seminars, but also interesting to go around the facility we got to see part of the James Webb telescope,” Trogg said.

She has an interest in the cultural significance of astronomy and space. Her friend and fellow Girl Scout, Wondracek, wants to lead teams in Mission Control one day. She explained the commercial partnership and the May 27 flight could open a lot of possibilities for future space exploration.

“We’ll need big-time funding to come in if we want to get to Mars which is what’s been delaying us and so I really want to see how private companies work together with NASA,” she said. 

Due to COVID-19, the pair said in-person meetings of the club have postponed, but are moving toward online video conferences.

Robinson said one project in the works with partners is to put letters into orbit on a future Blue Origin mission. He said the details are still being worked out but could see a number of First Coast children participating.

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