Robotic spacecraft probing our solar system represent a capstone of human exploration. That capstone resides on a foundation built by astronomical observations revealing scientific questions answerable only by on site investigation. The path from astronomical observations, defining science questions, and achieving mission success is an arduous one. Join MIT Professor Richard Binzel on a personal and scientific tale of persistence, persistence, persistence in going from a backyard astronomer to science team member on four NASA solar system exploration missions. This Worlds Revealed Science Talk is proudly sponsored by Findlay Toyota.