The Friends of the Smoky Hill Museum are proud to announce the return of a Salina son who really has made it “to the stars!” Shuttle astronaut Steve Hawley is coming to Salina to talk about his missions in space. Tickets are on sale now for the February 17th presentation at Pioneer Presidents Place, in the old Lincoln School auditorium, 245 South Eighth Street. Hawley will also hold a special autograph signing session following his presentation. Photographs may be purchased at the Museum Store in advance for Hawley to sign the night of the presentation. Steve Hawley served as a mission specialist on five shuttle flights including the maiden flight of the space shuttle Discover. He has helped launch satellites, conducted experiments and was instrumental in the deployment and repair of the Hubble Space Telescope. Hawley logged a total of 770 hours and 27 minutes in space. Hawley’s presentation is at 7:00 pm on February 17 and will be followed by an autograph signing session. Advance tickets for this big event are $7.00 for adults ($10.00 at the door), $5.00 for students age 13 through college ($7.00 at the door) and $3.00 for children up to age 12 ($5.00 at the door). Tickets for Friends of the Smoky Hill Museum members also include a special 5:30 pm reception at the Museum to meet Hawley. Autographed photos are $7.00 and will be signed following presentation. Special remarks will be made preceding Hawley’s presentation by fellow Central high school alums Larry Smith and Tom Martin as well as his brother Jim Hawley, who recently returned to Salina as minister of the First Presbyterian Church. In case of bad weather, the presentation may be moved to February 24th.