Bob, now retired, began reading science fiction before the Soviets stunned the USA by launching Sputnik. He is a long time space advocate and amateur astronomer, holding BS and MS degrees in Physics with a minor in Computer Science. He has been an active member of the St. Louis Chapter of the Moon Society and the St. Louis Space Frontier, a Chapter of the National Space Society. His interest in space includes the utilization of asteroids and comets as raw materials for a space faring civilization.