Astronaut of the Day - Chris Hadfield

Chris Hadfield is a retired Canadian astronaut and former commander of the International Space Station (ISS). He gained widespread fame for his social media presence and educational outreach during his time aboard the ISS. Here are some key details about Chris Hadfield:

1. Early Life and Education: Chris Austin Hadfield was born on August 29, 1959, in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada and later completed a master's degree in aviation systems at the University of Tennessee.

2. Canadian Space Agency: In 1992, Chris Hadfield was selected as one of four Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronauts. He underwent extensive training, including spacewalk training, to prepare for space missions.

3. Space Shuttle Missions: Hadfield flew on two Space Shuttle missions. He first flew aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-74 in 1995 and then on Space Shuttle Atlantis for STS-100 in 2001, where he conducted two spacewalks to install the Canadarm2 robotic arm on the ISS.

4. Commander of the ISS: Chris Hadfield's most notable mission was his tenure as the commander of the ISS during Expedition 35 in 2013. He became the first Canadian to command the space station. His time on the ISS gained international attention due to his engaging social media posts, videos, and educational outreach efforts. He covered a wide range of topics, including daily life on the station, science experiments, and space travel.

5. Musical Performances: Hadfield is also known for his musical talents. He recorded a cover of David Bowie's song "Space Oddity" aboard the ISS, which became a viral sensation. The video showcased his singing and guitar-playing skills in the unique environment of space.

6. Retirement: Chris Hadfield retired from the Canadian Space Agency in 2013, shortly after returning from his ISS mission. However, he continued to be actively involved in promoting space exploration, science, and education through public speaking engagements, books, and media appearances.

7. Author: Hadfield has authored several books, including "An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth" and "You Are Here: Around the World in 92 Minutes," which offer insights into his experiences in space and his perspective on life.

Chris Hadfield's contributions to space exploration, coupled with his ability to communicate the wonders of space to the public, have made him a beloved figure in the world of astronautics and science communication. He continues to inspire people of all ages to pursue their dreams and engage with the wonder of space.