Author posts
To lead a great life, you must learn how to take risks
"I think it's worth asking yourself, 'What risks are worth taking?' And once you've decided to take them, change who you are so you can win."
September 16, 2018
How to be a better listener: Attention, context, urgency
Colonel Chris Hadfield talks to us about the formalities that astronauts have to use, and how it can help us here on earth.
September 01, 2018
The best photos of Earth taken from space
The retired astronaut Chris Hadfield explains the challenges and joys of being a photographer in space.
July 28, 2018
Space exploration is about much more than discovering outer space
What does it take to become an astronaut? Retired astronaut Chris Hadfield explains, along with his vision for space exploration.
July 14, 2018
A starman's guide to becoming an astronaut
So you want to be starman? You're going to need a few things along the way. Three things to be precise, according to astronaut Chris Hadfield.
June 01, 2018
Breaking the ice: How astronauts overcome their differences aboard the ISS
Think getting along with people that are nothing like you is hard? Here’s how astronauts do it, 254 miles above Earth on the ISS.
May 17, 2018
Chris Hadfield: The astronaut's guide to flat Earth theory
Is the world actually flat? Let's ask someone who has some actual perspective on the subject... from space.
April 01, 2018
Why all politicians should travel to space (and some should come back)
Here's how looking down at 4 billion years of Earth's history changes you.
March 23, 2018
Chris Hadfield
“Good morning, Earth." That is how Colonel Chris Hadfield—writing on Twitter—woke up the world every day while living aboard the International Space Station for over five months. Since blasting off from Kazakhstan in December 2012, Hadfield has become a worldwide sensation, harnessing the power of social media to make outer space accessible to millions and infusing a sense of wonder into the collective consciousness not felt since man first walked on the moon. Called “the most famous astronaut since Neil Armstrong" by the BBC, Hadfield, now safely back on Earth, continues to bring the glory of science and space travel to everyone he encounters.
Hadfield is the pioneer of many firsts. In 1992, he was selected by the Canadian Space Agency as a NASA Mission Specialist – Canada's first fully-qualified Space Shuttle crewmember. Three years later, he was the first Canadian to operate the Canadarm in space, and the first Canadian to board a Russian spacecraft as he helped build the Russian space station 'Mir'. In 2001, he performed two spacewalks - the first Canadian to do so - and in 2010 the CSA and NASA announced Hadfield's third mission: commanding the International Space Station (ISS)—again a first for a Canadian.
Hadfield launched into space on December 19, 2012 and took command of the ISS in March. His multiple daily Tweets and photographs from space made people see the world differently. His accessibility, whether answering questions such as, “How do you wring out a washcloth in space," via Skype or collaborating with The Barenaked Ladies for a song sung by nearly a million people simultaneously, endeared him to all while he orbited Earth.
A heavily decorated astronaut, engineer, and pilot, Hadfield's many awards include receiving the Order of Ontario, the Meritorious Service Cross, and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. He was named the top Test Pilot in both the US Air Force and the US Navy, and has been inducted into Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame. He is also commemorated on Canadian postage stamps, Royal Canadian Mint silver and gold coins, and on Canada's new 5 dollar bill.
