Chris Hadfield to Leave the Canadian Space Agency

During an event at the Canadian Space Agency headquarters today celebrating Chris Hadfield’s remarkable 5 month trip aboard the International Space Station Hadfield announced he was the leaving the Canadian Space Agency effective July 3rd to pursue other professional challenges.


Here’s the text of the full news release.

Today, Parliamentary Secretary Chris Alexander, on behalf of Christian Paradis Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), took part in an event celebrating Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield’s return to Canada following his successful five-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Chris Hadfield also used the opportunity to announce his plans to pursue new professional challenges.
“Chris Hadfield made space exploration history by becoming the first Canadian to command the International Space Station, a feat that instilled pride from coast-to-coast-to-coast,” said Minister Paradis. His efforts have affirmed our country’s world-renowned space expertise. I would like to personally thank Chris for his commitment to bringing the spirit of discovery not only to all Canadians, but to the world.”
This was Chris Hadfield’s third space flight. He was the only Canadian to visit the Russian space station Mir in 1995, the first Canadian to perform a spacewalk when he installed Canadarm2 onto the ISS in 2001.
Chris Hadfield’s crowning achievement was becoming the first Canadian to command the ISS on March 13, 2013. As head of the ISS, he was responsible for maintaining the health and safety of the crew, and for keeping the Space Station productive and functioning properly. Some of these duties included engineering, vehicle safety and the supervision of over 100 science experiments; many with the potential to enhance the quality of our lives here on Earth and further enhance the strength and expertise of the Canadian scientific community.
He also brought the wonders of living and working on the ISS to Earth through Twitter, by sharing videos, and by taking part in educational events with school groups. A skilled communicator, Hadfield reignited global interest and excitement in the final frontier and put Canada’s world-class reputation in Space centre stage.
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting Canada’s space sector and remains committed to maintaining Canada’s world-class reputation in space. For example, Canada’s investments have led to the development of Dextre, the Canadian Space Agency’s robotic handyman on board the ISS. Dextre is an indispensable mainstay in the construction and maintenance of the ISS, and is an outstanding technology that Canada has developed.
“Chris Hadfield has inspired all Canadians, especially our next-generation of scientists and engineers,” said Parliamentary Secretary Chris Alexander. “His exceptional career achievements make him a true Canadian hero and icon.”
“I am extremely proud to have shared my experience,” said Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. “I will continue to reinforce the importance of space exploration through public speaking and will continue to visit Canadian schools through the CSA.”
Mr. Hadfield’s resignation is effective as of July 3rd, 2013.
Chris Hadfield’s complete biography.
Summary of Hadfield’s space missions
In November 1995 during mission STS-74, the crew of Space Shuttle Atlantis, with Hadfield at the control of Canadarm, attached a docking module to the Russian space station Mir. Hadfield flew as the first Canadian mission specialist, the first Canadian to operate the Canadarm in orbit, and the only Canadian to ever board Mir.
In April 2001 during mission STS-100, the crew of Space Shuttle Endeavour delivered and installed Canadarm2, the Canadian-built robotic arm, as well as the Italian-made resupply module Raffaello. Hadfield performed two spacewalks to install Canadam2 on the Station, which made him the first Canadian to ever leave a spacecraft and float freely in space.
During Expedition 34/35 Hadfield spent five months aboard the ISS on Canada’s second long-duration mission (December 2012 to May 2013). He and the Station crew performed over 130 science experiments and established a new record for the amount of science conducted in a single week. They operated Canadarm2 to capture a cargo vehicle and he made history by becoming the first Canadian to command the Station during the last two months of his mission. Hadfield also captured the world’s attention, sharing his space mission through countless tweets, photographs, videos and exchanges with school groups.

About Marc Boucher

Boucher is an entrepreneur, writer, editor & publisher. He is the founder of SpaceQ Media Inc. and CEO and co-founder of SpaceRef Interactive LLC. Boucher has 20+ years working in various roles in the space industry and a total of 30 years as a technology entrepreneur including creating Maple Square, Canada's first internet directory and search engine.

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