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Astronaut Appearance

Meet Astronaut Bob Cenker

Universe Theater

TueTuesdayMarch 25
WedWednesdayMarch 26
ThuThursdayMarch 27
FriFridayMarch 28
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Included with Admission

Photo of NASA astronaut Robert Cenker next to the United States flag and a model of the space shuttle
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Get the rare opportunity to meet a veteran NASA astronaut every day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Meet the Astronaut of the Day at any of the following opportunities:  

  • Astronaut Encounter – During these presentations, hear from the Astronaut of the Day about his or her unique experience living and working in space. Have your questions ready after the presentation. Astronaut Encounter is included with admission. 
  • Chat With An Astronaut – Enjoy a sampling of food and beverages while having a small-group conversation with the Astronaut of the Day about what it is really like to live and work in space. Chat With An Astronaut can be purchased in addition to admission. 
  • Autograph signings – get the astronaut’s autograph at The Space Shop and Shuttle Express at various times during the day. 

 See the Daily Schedule for the times for each when you arrive.

Learn more about this Astronaut of the Day below.

Photo of NASA astronaut Robert Cenker next to the United States flag and a model of the space shuttle

Robert J. Cenker

Mr. Cenker is an aerospace consultant and former NASA payload specialist with extensive experience in spacecraft design, satellite systems, and space operations.

Mr. Cenker consults on spacecraft design, assembly, flight operations, and microgravity research, with projects including Motorola’s Iridium. He has held multiple positions at Radio Corporation of America (RCA), such as Manager of Payload Accommodations for the EOS Platform and Integration and Test Manager for the Satcom D&E spacecraft. His systems engineering experience spans major satellite programs with companies like INTELSAT, AT&T, and Martin Marietta.

With 18 years at RCA/GE Astro Space Division, Mr. Cenker worked on satellite attitude control, in-orbit operations, and spacecraft design. He also contributed to U.S. Navy navigation satellites and commercial communications satellites.

In 1986, he flew as a Payload Specialist on space shuttle Columbia (STS 61-C), performing various psychological tests, infrared camera experiments, and observing satellite deployments, logging over 146 hours in space and 96 Earth orbits.

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