Steven Alan Hawley is an American retired astronomer, former NASA astronaut, and professor emeritus of physics and astronomy at the University of Kansas. He is best known for flying on five U.S. Space Shuttle missions and for his role in missions connected to major space observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory. NASA lists Hawley as a mission specialist on STS-41D, STS-61C, STS-31, STS-82, and STS-93.
Hawley’s career connects academic astronomy, human spaceflight, and science education. His professional path began with formal training in physics, astronomy, and astrophysics before he joined NASA’s astronaut corps in 1978. After retiring from NASA, he continued his work in higher education at the University of Kansas, where he remains listed as professor emeritus.
Profile Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steven Alan Hawley |
| Known As | Steven Hawley |
| Profession | Retired astronomer, former NASA astronaut, academic |
| Date of Birth | December 12, 1951 |
| Age | 74 years, as of 2026 |
| Birthplace | Ottawa, Kansas, United States |
| Hometown | Salina, Kansas |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Kansas; University of California, Santa Cruz |
| Academic Field | Physics, astronomy, astronomy and astrophysics |
| NASA Selection | 1978 astronaut class |
| First Space Flight | STS-41D |
| Space Missions | STS-41D, STS-61C, STS-31, STS-82, STS-93 |
| Time in Space | 770 hours and 27 minutes |
| Academic Role | Professor emeritus, University of Kansas |
| Former Spouse | Sally Ride |
Early Life and Background
Steven Hawley was born on December 12, 1951, in Ottawa, Kansas. NASA’s Astronaut Fact Book identifies his hometown as Salina, Kansas, and notes his academic background in physics, astronomy, and astronomy and astrophysics.
Hawley attended Salina Central High School before continuing his education at the University of Kansas. His early academic direction focused on science, particularly physics and astronomy, which later became central to both his research career and NASA work.
After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Kansas, Hawley pursued graduate study at the University of California, Santa Cruz. The University of Kansas profile lists his degrees as a BA in Physics, a BA in Astronomy, and a PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics from UC Santa Cruz.
Career and Professional Journey
Hawley’s professional career began in astronomy and research before his selection as a NASA astronaut. NASA records state that he was selected as an astronaut in 1978 and later served as a mission specialist on five Space Shuttle flights.
His first spaceflight was STS-41D in 1984. The mission was the maiden flight of Space Shuttle Discovery and marked the beginning of Hawley’s operational career in human spaceflight. He later flew on STS-61C in 1986, STS-31 in 1990, STS-82 in 1997, and STS-93 in 1999.
One of the most important parts of Hawley’s NASA career was his connection to the Hubble Space Telescope. STS-31 deployed Hubble in 1990, and NASA’s STS-82 mission page notes that Hawley, who had originally deployed the telescope, operated the shuttle’s Remote Manipulator System arm during the 1997 servicing mission to retrieve Hubble for work in the payload bay.
Hawley also flew on STS-93, the mission that deployed the Chandra X-ray Observatory. NASA’s history account of the mission notes that STS-93 was Hawley’s fifth flight and followed his earlier missions on STS-41D, STS-61C, STS-31, and STS-82.
After leaving NASA, Hawley returned to academic work. The University of Kansas lists his biography as including NASA service from 1978 to 2008, followed by roles at KU, including professor of physics and astronomy, director of engineering physics, and adjunct professor of aerospace engineering.
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Major Achievements and Recognition
Steven Hawley’s major achievements are closely tied to the Space Shuttle era. Over five flights, he logged 770 hours and 27 minutes in space, according to NASA’s former astronaut biography.
His work with the Hubble Space Telescope is one of the most notable parts of his record. He was part of the STS-31 crew that deployed Hubble and later participated in STS-82, a Hubble servicing mission. NASA’s STS-82 record specifically connects Hawley to the telescope’s deployment history and later retrieval during servicing operations.
Hawley’s role on STS-93 further connected him to NASA’s Great Observatories program. That mission deployed the Chandra X-ray Observatory, an important space telescope designed for X-ray astronomy. NASA’s 25-year retrospective on STS-93 identifies Hawley as a crew member making his fifth spaceflight on that mission.
In 2007, Hawley was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. UC Santa Cruz reported that he was one of three astronauts inducted at the Kennedy Space Center and highlighted his work on Hubble and Chandra-related missions.
His achievements also include a long connection with science education. At the University of Kansas, he has held academic and leadership roles in physics, astronomy, engineering physics, and aerospace engineering.
FAQ Section
Who is Steven Hawley?
Steven Hawley is a retired American astronomer, former NASA astronaut, and professor emeritus at the University of Kansas. He flew on five Space Shuttle missions and is known for his work on missions involving the Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory.
How many space missions did Steven Hawley fly?
Steven Hawley flew on five Space Shuttle missions: STS-41D, STS-61C, STS-31, STS-82, and STS-93. NASA lists him as a mission specialist on those five flights.
What was Steven Hawley’s first spaceflight?
Steven Hawley’s first spaceflight was STS-41D in 1984. The mission was also the maiden flight of Space Shuttle Discovery.
What is Steven Hawley’s connection to the Hubble Space Telescope?
Steven Hawley flew on STS-31, the mission that deployed the Hubble Space Telescope, and later flew on STS-82, a Hubble servicing mission. During STS-82, NASA notes that he operated the shuttle’s robotic arm to retrieve Hubble for servicing.
Was Steven Hawley married to Sally Ride?
Yes. Steven Hawley was married to fellow astronaut Sally Ride. The National Women’s History Museum states that Ride married Steve Hawley in 1982 and that they divorced in 1987.
Conclusion
Steven Hawley’s biography reflects a career built across astronomy, NASA spaceflight, and university education. Born in Kansas and educated at the University of Kansas and the University of California, Santa Cruz, he became part of NASA’s Space Shuttle generation and completed five missions as a mission specialist.
His career is especially significant because of his connection to the Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory, two major scientific observatories associated with NASA’s space science legacy. After his NASA career, Hawley continued contributing to science and education through his work at the University of Kansas. His record remains closely associated with five Space Shuttle flights, Hubble missions, and a long-standing role in physics and astronomy education.