Adapted from The Vancouver Sun by Patty Bossort.
Level 2
Chris Hadfield is an astronaut. He is the first Canadian to walk in space.
He flew into space three times. He commanded the International Space Station
for five months. He orbited the earth 16 times every day.
He watched the earth during the day and at night. He watched storms come and go.
He saw the northern lights from space.
He describes it as awe-inspiring.
Read the PDF
Watch the videos
- Watch Chris Hadfield singing David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.”
- Watch a video about Chris Hadfield.
- See Chris Hadfield in training at the Canadian Space Agency.
- Chris Hadfield shows you how to brush your teeth in space.
- Listen to Chris Hadfield talk about his experience at TED Talks.
Hadfield’s life in space
It is very busy on a space station. He ran 200 experiments.
He missed fresh food, pizza, beer and physical contact.
He missed being able to give someone a hug.
Hadfield is a musician.
Chris Hadfield is a popular musician. He plays guitar and sings.
He writes his own songs. He performed David Bowie’s song called Space Oddity
from the space station.
Hadfield is a writer and a speaker.
Hadfield wrote a book called An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth. It is a best seller.
He spoke at the TED talks in Vancouver. He speaks to groups
about his life and experiences.
He is a natural teacher. He enjoys touring schools and talking to students.
Hadfield’s life on Earth
Hadfield was born in Ontario. He grew up on a farm.
His early life on the farm taught him how to work and solve problems.
His father was an Air Canada pilot. Hadfield trained as a fighter pilot.
Hadfield married his high school sweetheart, Helen, at age 22.
After 26 years working in the US, Russia and space,
he and his wife are settling down in Toronto. They have three adult children.
How did he become an astronaut?
He watched Neil Armstrong walk on the moon in July 1969. He was 9 years old.
He wanted to go to the moon, too. He decided to become an astronaut.
In 1992, he became one of four new Canadian astronauts. Over 5000 applied.
Hadfield says he is never satisfied. He always wants to learn more.