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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Leader

Honored by:
Ms. Joanne L. Bailey

Robert (Bob) James Mackey, Jr.'s career in the air and space field spanned more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 1943, he worked as a Radio Engineer for the Naval Air Material Center in Philadelphia, PA, where he conducted laboratory and flight tests on a variety of developmental aircraft equipment and gadgetry.

In 1946, he moved to Washington, DC, and as an Electronics Engineer for the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), he conducted research and development work on fire control radars, missile beam rider receivers, and special undersea detection and tracking devices. Later, he became the Head of the Vanguard Electronics Instrumentation Branch/Florida Operations for the Vanguard Project. This work involved development of radar beacons, Doppler tracking beacons, radio command receivers, and vehicle telemetry systems.

In 1958, Bob joined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), as Project Manager and later as Head of the Communications Satellite Branch. In 1965 until his retirement in 1972, Bob held several high-level positions in the Space Applications and Technology Directorate, including Deputy Director. The range of efforts included technical support for all major GSFC spacecraft, management and internal development, and fabrication of small scientific satellites, sounding rockets, management of cooperative international agreements, and a broad program of research and development in spacecraft instruments and subsystems. Bob also served on a number of NASA, Government, and International committees, and was a member of the Comsat Technical Review Team and Chairman of the Intelsat III Preflight Readiness Review Team.

Even after retirement in 1972, he provided consulting services for several years on Comsat, Communication Satellite Programs, and Domestic Satellite Programs, as well as serving on spacecraft study/review teams and committees.

Besides his career as a "space" scientist he was husband to Frances and father to Joanne, Patricia, Robert III, and Peter. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed playing the violin in the Fairfax County Symphony orchestra and swimming, first in the NRL pool and then at Beach 3 in Lake Barcroft, VA, where he lived for 25 years. Frances died in 1983 of breast cancer and Bob later remarried to Patricia Murphy Mantia. Bob and Pat now live in Titusville, FL. Bob is still an avid swimmer and loves cooking and solving crossword puzzles. Pat also enjoys swimming, crafts, and volunteer work. Bob celebrated his 80th birthday on December 12, 2000.