posted 09-01-2010 11:19 AM               

Minister of State Goodyear to Announce An Important Space Mission

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency will make an important announcement regarding a future space mission for a Canadian Astronaut.

Goodyear will be joined by Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen’s Privy Council and Minister for La Francophonie, and Steve MacLean, President of the Canadian Space Agency.

posted 09-02-2010 09:06 AM               

Harper Government Announces the First Canadian Commander of the International Space Station

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced today that astronaut Chris Hadfield will return to space for a third time and become the first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station (ISS).

Hadfield will launch aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket in December 2012, and take command of the station during the second half of a six-month mission. This will be the second long-duration mission for a Canadian astronaut.

"The selection of a Canadian astronaut for a long-duration mission and as Commander of the International Space Station reflects the achievements of our space exploration program and the renowned quality of our Canadian Astronaut Corps," stated the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology).

"Through our commitment to producing innovative, reliable Canadian space technology and the expertise of our highly skilled astronauts, Canada has earned the confidence of our international partners," added the Honourable Josee Verner, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.

As an ISS flight engineer for the mission's first four months, Hadfield will carry out scientific experiments, robotics tasks and technology demonstrations. As a veteran space-walker, he may be called upon to step out into space to perform tasks around the station. With the rotation of three of the six-member crew in March 2013, Hadfield will assume the role of Commander of Expedition 35.

As ISS Commander, Hadfield will be responsible for the safety of the crew, ongoing operations, maintenance and equipment of the ISS, while ensuring that the scientific experiments are carried out on behalf of Canadian and international scientists. He may also be called upon to operate Canadarm2 to perform assembly and maintenance tasks on the ISS, and to grapple and berth spacecraft to the station.

Hadfield is scheduled to return to Earth in a Soyuz spacecraft, landing in Kazakhstan in June 2013.

Hadfield has achieved a distinguished career in space exploration. He is the only Canadian to board Mir, the Russian Space Station, in 1995 and the first Canadian to perform a spacewalk -- a feat accomplished when he attached Canadarm2 to the ISS in 2001.

In anticipation of his next space mission, Chris Hadfield has already started training in Canada, the U.S., and Russia. In 2009, he trained as backup to Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk, who took part in Canada's first long-duration mission on the ISS.

The CSA will be asking the public to propose science experiments Hadfield can conduct on-orbit. It also intends to engage Canadians in the mission through a variety of activities, especially music -- Hadfield is an avid guitar player and intends to make use of the Canadian-built guitar currently on the station. The objective is to inspire young Canadians to turn to science and technology, and choose studies that will allow them to take their place as members of Canada's next space generation.

posted 09-02-2010 12:14 PM               

[The CSA] also intends to engage Canadians in the mission through a variety of activities, especially music -- Hadfield is an avid guitar player and intends to make use of the Canadian-built guitar currently on the station.

He told me that a few weeks ago, some of the current Max-Q musicians had a semi-simultaneous jam session with Tracy Caldwell onboard the ISS.

Hadfield has already brought a guitar to Mir, which as I understand has been brough back and will be shown within a touring exhibition in the future.

posted 09-02-2010 05:18 PM               

The French part of the media scrum:

posted 12-14-2011 03:01 PM               

The Governor General’s Lion to Fly in Space

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Gov. General of Canada, visited the Canadian Space Agency on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011.

The Governor General took this opportunity to present Eddy, the mascot of EduZone, to CSA president Steve MacLean and Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield (who was live from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, via video conference). Eddy will join Mr. Hadfield aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in November 2012 and fly into space to reach the International Space Station as part of Expedition 34/35.

posted 12-14-2011 09:48 PM               

I was half-expecting a miniature teddy that could be adopted by Hadfield's launch crewmate as the traditional onboard g-indicator, but what is to be flown is a mere graphic reproduction on an approximately four-square-inch cardboard material.

posted 03-13-2013 08:32 PM               

Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield - First Canadian Commander of the International Space Station

Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), celebrated a historic milestone in Canadian space exploration as Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield became the first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station (ISS).

"My heartfelt congratulations to Commander Hadfield and his family on what is an important milestone for all Canadians" said Minister Paradis. "Our Government will continue to be a proud and committed partner in the International Space Station and ensure our space sector continues to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity."

During the change of command ceremony with his predecessor Commander Kevin Ford (NASA), Hadfield spoke of his pride in representing Canada and commanding the world's space science laboratory. During his command, he will oversee station operations, including over 100 scientific experiments, and be responsible for the safety of the crew and the station.

"The Canadian Space Agency congratulates Commander Hadfield for this exceptional career achievement. It is the result of years of dedication and hard work," stated Gilles Leclerc, CSA Acting President. "The appointment also recognizes Canada's contribution to the International Space Station program – the teams on the ground who support space operations and the advanced robust robotics that have built the Station."

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield launched to the Station on December 19, 2012 and will stay aboard until May 13, 2013, when he is due to return to Earth in a Soyuz capsule. He is the second national outside of the US and Russia to command the station and its crew.

posted 03-13-2013 08:33 PM               

Statement by Chris Hadfield, first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station

The ISS is an orbiting research vessel of unprecedented capability, and Canada is in the thick of it. We have experiments inside investigating human physiology and health as well as nano-materials development, while on the outside our robots are learning how to repair and refuel ailing satellites. The iconic Canadarm2 put the Station together, and Canadian astronauts, from Marc Garneau to Julie Payette and Robert Thirsk, have worked inside and out. Everyone in the country can be rightfully proud of Canada's achievements and the inspiration that they bring.

During the past few months our multi-national crew onboard set the all-time record for hours of research performed in space, and the 130 experiments currently on ISS are pushing back the edge of what is possible. Canadian experiments like MicroFlow can bring health care capability to our far-flung communities, and BP Reg and Vascular will help us better understand cardio-vascular health and the effects of aging.

In 2013, the 50th year of Canada in space since the launch of our first satellite Alouette, this Canadian is now asked to command the world's spaceship. It's a first for our country, but is really just the culmination of a lot of other firsts. I stand on the shoulders of so many that have made this possible, and now take my turn to try and add to that solid foundation for the Canadians that follow.

It is vital that tomorrow's generations have the confidence, tools and education, as well as the vision and drive, to continue our exploration and understanding of our place in the world, and our World's place in the rest of the universe.

It is a tremendous honour to assume command of the ISS. I will do my best to acquit myself well, accomplish the utmost as a crew for all the International Partners, and fully live and share the experience on behalf of so many around our world.

posted 03-13-2013 08:35 PM               

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada congratulating Chris Hadfield on assuming command of the International Space Station

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement congratulating Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who will assume command of the International Space Station later today:

"Ever since this country was founded, Canadians have been pushing the boundaries of exploration and discovery, contributing in substantial ways to collective global knowledge.

"Today, on behalf of all my fellow citizens, I would like to congratulate our very own space pioneer, Chris Hadfield, who is continuing in that fine tradition of pushing the limits by being named the first Canadian to take command of the International Space Station, currently orbiting the planet.

"His pursuit of excellence in his field and his achievements in space are a tremendous source of national pride and can most aptly be described as stellar.

"Today we join the chorus of national and international recognition for this achievement — including best wishes from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II — and we wish Commander Hadfield and his crew godspeed and safe return on their remarkable mission and adventure in space."

posted 03-13-2013 08:44 PM               

Message from The Queen to Colonel Hadfield

I am pleased to transmit my personal best wishes, and those of all Canadians, to Colonel Christopher Hadfield as he takes command of the International Space Station on Wednesday. Our thoughts and best wishes are with him and the entire crew, as are our prayers for an eventual safe return to family, friends and fellow Canadians.