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Casual SpaceAuthor: Beth Mund
Let's talk SPACE, and let's keep it casual. Nothing too technical. Stories that inspire. As a former NASA Public Affairs Officer, let be serve as your guide. I'll provide conversations that are both interesting and fun. Each weekly episode brings a new, fresh discussion on a variety of space topics & stories. The universe is pretty big, so there's always something new to discover! Join me and find YOUR inner space geek on Casual Space! Language: en Genres: Natural Sciences, Science, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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286: Eyes to the Stars with Dr. Steve Hawley, NASA Shuttle Astronaut
Episode 286
Friday, 10 April, 2026
What does it take to go from studying the universe… to flying through it? On this episode of Casual Space, Beth welcomes Dr. Steven A. Hawley—NASA astronaut, space shuttle veteran, and author of his new book, Eyes to the Stars, A Memoir for the Space Shuttle Generation. Listen to enjoy the remarkable journey of a young astronomer from Kansas who never expected to become an astronaut—and what happened when he said "yes" anyway. Steve shares the quiet but powerful decisions that shaped his career: staying open to opportunity, embracing uncertainty, and trusting preparation when timing finally aligned. From his early fascination with astronomy to deploying the Hubble Space Telescope, this conversation reveals what spaceflight is really like—both technically and personally. You'll hear behind-the-scenes insights from the Space Shuttle era, including the realities of astronaut selection, the discipline of mission training, and the teamwork required to operate in one of the most high-risk environments humans have ever entered. Resources & Links Eyes to the Stars by Steve Hawley on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Stars-Memoir-Shuttle-Generation/dp/1960259571 Hubble Space Telescope https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/ Artemis Program https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/ Whether you're an aspiring astronaut, a space enthusiast, or someone navigating your own uncertain path—this episode is a reminder that the journey to the stars often begins with simply staying open to possibility.
