No Image Available
Visual representation of Chris Hadfield
Tech
Updated August 15, 2025
Chris Hadfield
Chris Hadfield is a retired Canadian astronaut who became famous for commanding the International Space Station. He gained widespread recognition for sharing his space experiences through social media and educational outreach.
Notable Facts
-
First Canadian spacewalk commander
-
Recorded music in space
-
Famous zero gravity guitar performance
Career Highlights
Background
Chris Hadfield is a retired Canadian astronaut, engineer, and former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Royal Military College in 1982 and a Master of Science in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee in 1992. Hadfield joined the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 1992 as one of four astronauts selected from a pool of 5,330 applicants. His early career included roles as a test pilot and operations engineer, with extensive experience in aerospace systems and flight dynamics.
Major Contributions
Hadfield is best known for his contributions to space exploration and public science communication. He flew on two Space Shuttle missions (STS-74 in 1995 and STS-100 in 2001) and served as the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station (ISS) during Expedition 35 in 2013. Key achievements include:
Conducting the first Canadian spacewalk during STS-100 to install the Canadarm2 robotic system on the ISS.
Pioneering the use of social media to share life in space, including viral videos like a zero-gravity cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity."
Co-developing spaceflight protocols and contributing to advancements in robotics and spacecraft docking systems.
Impact on Their Field
Hadfield's work has significantly influenced space exploration and public engagement with science. His leadership on the ISS demonstrated the effectiveness of international collaboration in space missions. By leveraging social media, he made space more accessible to the general public, inspiring a new generation of scientists and astronauts. His technical contributions, particularly in robotics and spacewalk procedures, have been integrated into ongoing ISS operations and future mission planning.
Current Work/Relevance
Since retiring from the CSA in 2013, Hadfield remains active in aerospace and science communication. He serves as an advisor for space-related organizations and startups, including SpaceX and Virgin Galactic. He is also a bestselling author, lecturer, and professor, focusing on space exploration and leadership. Hadfield continues to advocate for STEM education and sustainable space exploration, contributing to discussions on Mars missions and the commercialization of space travel.
Chris Hadfield is a retired Canadian astronaut, engineer, and former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Royal Military College in 1982 and a Master of Science in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee in 1992. Hadfield joined the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 1992 as one of four astronauts selected from a pool of 5,330 applicants. His early career included roles as a test pilot and operations engineer, with extensive experience in aerospace systems and flight dynamics.
Major Contributions
Hadfield is best known for his contributions to space exploration and public science communication. He flew on two Space Shuttle missions (STS-74 in 1995 and STS-100 in 2001) and served as the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station (ISS) during Expedition 35 in 2013. Key achievements include:
Impact on Their Field
Hadfield's work has significantly influenced space exploration and public engagement with science. His leadership on the ISS demonstrated the effectiveness of international collaboration in space missions. By leveraging social media, he made space more accessible to the general public, inspiring a new generation of scientists and astronauts. His technical contributions, particularly in robotics and spacewalk procedures, have been integrated into ongoing ISS operations and future mission planning.
Current Work/Relevance
Since retiring from the CSA in 2013, Hadfield remains active in aerospace and science communication. He serves as an advisor for space-related organizations and startups, including SpaceX and Virgin Galactic. He is also a bestselling author, lecturer, and professor, focusing on space exploration and leadership. Hadfield continues to advocate for STEM education and sustainable space exploration, contributing to discussions on Mars missions and the commercialization of space travel.
Personal Story
Who They Are
Chris Hadfield is a retired Canadian astronaut, engineer, and pilot who became one of the most recognizable faces of space exploration. Born on August 29, 1959, in Sarnia, Ontario, Hadfield grew up with a passion for aviation and space. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering and joined the Canadian Armed Forces, where he became a fighter pilot before being selected as an astronaut by the Canadian Space Agency in 1992.
Why They Matter
Hadfield’s career is packed with groundbreaking achievements. He was the first Canadian to walk in space during a mission to the Russian space station Mir in 2001. Later, he commanded the International Space Station (ISS) in 2013, a historic moment for Canada. During his time in space, he conducted cutting-edge scientific experiments and helped maintain the ISS, showcasing Canada’s role in global space exploration.
Beyond his technical contributions, Hadfield became a global ambassador for science and space, inspiring millions with his ability to make complex topics accessible and exciting.
What They’re Known For
Hadfield’s fame skyrocketed during his 2013 ISS mission, where he became a social media sensation. His breathtaking photos of Earth, educational videos, and zero-gravity guitar performances—including a cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”—went viral.
He’s also a bestselling author, with books like An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth offering wisdom from his space adventures. Hadfield’s engaging personality and knack for storytelling have made him a sought-after speaker and science communicator, proving that space isn’t just for astronauts—it’s for everyone.
Chris Hadfield is a retired Canadian astronaut, engineer, and pilot who became one of the most recognizable faces of space exploration. Born on August 29, 1959, in Sarnia, Ontario, Hadfield grew up with a passion for aviation and space. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering and joined the Canadian Armed Forces, where he became a fighter pilot before being selected as an astronaut by the Canadian Space Agency in 1992.
Why They Matter
Hadfield’s career is packed with groundbreaking achievements. He was the first Canadian to walk in space during a mission to the Russian space station Mir in 2001. Later, he commanded the International Space Station (ISS) in 2013, a historic moment for Canada. During his time in space, he conducted cutting-edge scientific experiments and helped maintain the ISS, showcasing Canada’s role in global space exploration.
Beyond his technical contributions, Hadfield became a global ambassador for science and space, inspiring millions with his ability to make complex topics accessible and exciting.
What They’re Known For
Hadfield’s fame skyrocketed during his 2013 ISS mission, where he became a social media sensation. His breathtaking photos of Earth, educational videos, and zero-gravity guitar performances—including a cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”—went viral.
He’s also a bestselling author, with books like An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth offering wisdom from his space adventures. Hadfield’s engaging personality and knack for storytelling have made him a sought-after speaker and science communicator, proving that space isn’t just for astronauts—it’s for everyone.