Glen “Tony” Robertson

Glen “Tony” A. Robertson has spent more than four decades advancing the frontiers of propulsion, aerospace technology, and applied physics. Known equally as a hands-on inventor and as a visionary in advanced propulsion sciences, Robertson’s career spans service in the U.S. Navy, leadership in NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and pioneering efforts in exotic propulsion research. His work embodies a lifelong dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerospace engineering and space exploration.

Early Career and Military Service

Robertson’s journey began in the U.S. Navy (1974–1978), where he served as a jet engine technician on the F-14’s TF30 engine. This practical foundation in high-performance propulsion systems set the stage for a lifetime of experimentation and innovation. After completing his double Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics from the University of North Alabama (1982), he went on to work at the Naval Weapons Center in China Lake, California, from 1984 to 1987. There, he served as a project engineer coordinating solid rocket motor testing for the vertical-launched ASROC system, developing a deep expertise in solid propulsion.

NASA and the Marshall Space Flight Center

In 1987, Robertson joined NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama, where he would serve until his retirement in 2018. Over his 31-year NASA career, he made significant contributions to the Space Shuttle program, supporting both solid rocket boosters and the main liquid engines. He later played a key role in supporting valve and thrust vector control groups on the Space Launch System (SLS) program.

Robertson was instrumental in helping establish NASA’s Advanced Propulsion Research Center, where he worked on cutting-edge projects exploring new propulsion ideas and concepts.

The NASA Superconductor Gravity Control Team

One of the most pioneering chapters of Robertson’s career was his involvement in the NASA Superconductor Gravity Control team at MSFC, led by Ron Koczor. The team sought to experimentally explore claims that superconductors could generate anomalous gravitational effects—a line of inquiry that, if validated, could revolutionize propulsion and energy systems.

Working as one of the earliest members of this group, Robertson collaborated with and was advised by two of the most prominent figures in the field: Dr. Ning Li, known for her theoretical work on gravitoelectric coupling in superconductors, and Dr. Eugene Podkletnov, whose controversial experimental claims of gravitational shielding inspired much of the research direction. Robertson’s contributions centered on experimental design, applied physics analysis, and the search for reproducible evidence of gravity-modifying effects in superconducting materials.

Though the research remained exploratory and highly unconventional, Robertson’s efforts helped legitimize and frame the scientific discussion on gravity-superconductor interactions within a structured NASA research program. This work culminated years later in his co-editorship, alongside Giovanni Modanese, of the influential book Gravity-Superconductor Interactions: Theory and Experiment (Bentham Books, 2012), which remains a touchstone for researchers investigating the intersection of superconductivity and gravitation.

Inventions, Patents, and Publications

As an applied physicist, Robertson is a prolific inventor and innovator. He holds 10 patents, including several with NASA, such as the Piezoelectrostatic Generator, Electromagnetic Meissner Effect Launcher, Spiral Fluid Separator, and Pressure-Driven Magnetically Coupled Conveyance. Beyond patents, his work has been featured in numerous NASA Tech Brief articles and technical journals.

Robertson has authored or coauthored more than 20 papers and conference presentations, covering topics ranging from superconductors and gravity research to exotic propulsion concepts and scalar field dynamics. His publications, including Space, Propulsion & Energy Sciences International Forum (SPESIF-2009) and numerous abstracts on manipulating the vacuum scalar field, have established him as a thought leader in advanced propulsion physics.

Leadership in Advanced Propulsion Communities

Outside NASA, Robertson has been deeply engaged in advancing new propulsion sciences through leadership roles in nonprofit organizations. From 2008 to 2011, he served as president of the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Space, Propulsion & Energy Sciences, helping to found and chair the Space, Propulsion, and Energy Sciences International Forum (SPESIF). In 2017, he established the Exotic Propulsion Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to investigating the fundamental physics underlying next-generation propulsion concepts.

He has served as chair and organizer for numerous symposia, including the Symposium on New Frontiers in Space Propulsion Sciences and the advanced concepts tracks of the Space Technology Applications International Forum (STAIF). His leadership has been recognized with multiple awards for outstanding dedication, guidance, and leadership, as well as an Outstanding Paper Award at STAIF 2005.

Education and Technical Expertise

Robertson holds a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from the University of North Alabama (1982), an M.S. in Operations Research with a minor in Project Management from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (1993), and has completed coursework toward an M.S.E. in Engineering Management. His skills bridge physics, engineering, and technical innovation, with a particular passion for invention, applied research, and patent development.

Recent Work and Continuing Contributions

Since 2018, Robertson has continued his work in advanced propulsion as a Senior Aerospace Technologist with Kepler Aerospace. There, he investigates proprietary materials that exhibit weight-reduction effects when electrically charged—a line of research with potentially revolutionary implications for propulsion and energy systems.

With five NASA patents, five external patents, and two active patent applications—all available for licensing—Robertson continues to embody the spirit of innovation. He remains an invaluable resource for those seeking breakthrough technologies or novel applications of physics to real-world challenges.

Awards and Recognition

Over his career, Robertson has received numerous accolades, including:

NASA Director’s Commendation (1999) for establishing the Advanced Concept Research Facility.
NASA Certificate of Appreciation (1996) for contributions to the Advanced Space Transportation Program.
NASA Invention Disclosures Award (1992).
Multiple group achievement awards and certificates of recognition.
STAIF Outstanding Paper Award (2005).
Repeated recognition for leadership and dedication at international propulsion symposia (2004–2008).

Legacy

Glen “Tony” Robertson’s career reflects an enduring drive to explore uncharted scientific territory. From jet engines and solid rockets to superconductors and scalar fields, his body of work represents both technical rigor and a pioneering vision for the future of propulsion. Today, as he continues research into exotic materials and advanced energy systems, Robertson stands as one of the most inventive and forward-thinking figures in the field of propulsion science.