Steven Hawley

Steven Hawley is a renowned NASA astronaut and University of Kansas professor, known for his exceptional contributions to the field of astronautics and space exploration. Born on December 12, 1951, in Ottawa, Kansas, Hawley developed a strong interest in science and mathematics from an early age, inspired by the achievements of NASA astronauts like Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. He pursued his passion for space exploration at the University of Kansas, where he earned a degree in astronomy and physics, and later at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), under the guidance of notable astronomers like Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar and Carl Sagan.

● Early Life and Education

Hawley's early life was marked by a strong foundation in science and mathematics, which he attributes to the influence of his parents and teachers at Ottawa High School. He was particularly drawn to the fields of astronomy and physics, inspired by the works of Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton. Hawley's academic pursuits took him to the University of Kansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in astronomy and physics, and later to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a Master of Science degree in astronomy under the guidance of notable astronomers like Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar and Carl Sagan. During his time at UCLA, Hawley was exposed to the latest research in astrophysics and cosmology, which further fueled his interest in space exploration and NASA's Apollo program.

● Career

Hawley's career in space exploration began in 1978 when he was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate, along with other notable astronauts like Sally Ride and Guy Bluford. He underwent rigorous training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where he was trained by experienced NASA astronauts like John Young and Vance Brand. Hawley's expertise in astronomy and physics made him an ideal candidate for NASA's Space Shuttle program, which was launched in 1981 with the maiden flight of Columbia. As a NASA astronaut, Hawley worked closely with other notable astronauts like Robert Crippen and John Fabian on various Space Shuttle missions, including the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.

● Spaceflight Experience

Hawley's spaceflight experience spans over two decades, with five Space Shuttle missions to his credit, including STS-41-D, STS-61-C, STS-31, STS-82, and STS-93. During these missions, he worked alongside other notable astronauts like Francis Scobee and Michael Smith on the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. Hawley's experience on the Space Shuttle program also included working with NASA's Robot Arm, which was used to deploy and retrieve satellites like TDRS-1 and Magellan. His spaceflight experience also took him to the Mir Space Station, where he worked with Russian cosmonauts like Sergei Krikalev and Valeri Polyakov on the Shuttle-Mir Program.

● Awards and Honors

Hawley's contributions to space exploration have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and the NASA Space Flight Medal. He has also been awarded the University of Kansas' Distinguished Service Citation and the American Astronomical Society's Henry Norris Russell Lectureship. Hawley's achievements have also been recognized by the National Academy of Sciences, which elected him as a member in 2001, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, which elected him as a fellow in 2002.

● Personal Life

Hawley is married to Eileen Hawley, and they have two children together, Matthew Hawley and Lauren Hawley. He is an avid pilot and enjoys flying in his spare time, having earned his private pilot's license in 1975. Hawley is also a strong advocate for STEM education and has worked with various organizations, including the National Science Foundation and the American Astronomical Society, to promote science and mathematics education in United States schools. He has also been involved in various NASA outreach programs, including the NASA Educator Astronaut Program, which aims to inspire and educate students about space exploration and NASA's missions. Category:Astronauts