Astronaut, Speaker & Executive
– Tied for record for the most spacewalks during a single spaceflight (STS-116 | four EVAs)
– Veteran of three space flights: STS-85 in 1997, STS-98 in 2001, STS-116 in 2006
– Logged over 901 hours in space, including over 45 hours during seven spacewalks
– US Navy, 23 years of service, graduate of Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and Navy Test Pilot School
– Served as Spacecraft Communicator (CAPCOM) branch chief
– Executive Leader specializing in technology and innovation
He uses stories from his past to illustrate how he learned these skills and how they were helpful in avoiding potential catastrophes while flying a hundred feet over the desert at supersonic speeds and performing spacewalks as a member of a space shuttle crew. He also demonstrates how following these four rules greatly increase one’s chances of success in dealing with risk, and will help you and your team operate in a more effectively. and it has in his life. At the end of that day, whether one is making life or death decisions, managing a business or just dealing with the trials and tribulations of the day, effectively managing risk helps make life better.
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Biography
Astronaut Robert “Beamer” Curbeam was an astronaut with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He held a wide range of positions with NASA as director of Safety, Reliability, and Quality Assurance for the Constellation program, deputy director of Flight Crew Operations; and Spacecraft Communicator (CAPCOM) branch chief. Curbeam was second-in-command for safety across NASA, as the deputy associate administrator of Safety and Mission Assurance at NASA headquarters. During his tenure with NASA, he served on three space shuttle missions and seven spacewalks. He is currently tied for the record for the most spacewalks during a single spaceflight. During the STS-116 mission, Curbeam completed four spacewalks.
Curbeam retired from the U.S. Navy after 23 years of service. He is a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and Navy Test Pilot School; was lead project officer for the F-14 Air-to-Ground Weapons Separation Flight Test Program; and logged more than 3,000 flight hours in 25 different aircraft and spacecraft. Curbeam was named Fighter Wing One Radar Intercept Officer of the Year in 1989 and received the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School Best Developmental Thesis (DT-II) Award.
Curbeam holds an advanced degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering and a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, Calif. He received his bachelor’s degree with merit in aerospace engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He is currently VP if Strategy & Business Development, Space Systems Group, at Northrup Grumman.
Organizational Involvements Include:
- United States Air Force Academy Association of Graduates
- Air Force Association
- Association of Space Explorers
Awards & Honors Include:
- NASA Space Flight Medal (4)
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Force Commendation Medal
Speaking Topics Include
- Our Earth from Space
- The Future of Space Exploration
- To Space and Back
- Managing Risk in a High-Performing Organization
- Life in Space
- Teamwork and Leadership?
- Video
