Chris Hadfield brought daily life on the International Space Station to tens of millions of people through social media, YouTube, and a David Bowie cover that became one of the most watched space videos in history. As ISS Commander from December 2012 to May 2013, he tweeted stunning photographs of Earth from 400 kilometres up, answered questions about life in microgravity in real time, and recorded a haunting acoustic version of "Space Oddity" — the first music video ever filmed in space. He was the first Canadian to walk in space (2001, STS-100). Before becoming an astronaut, he was a Cold War fighter pilot, test pilot, and NORAD controller. His approach — making space feel personal, immediate, and deeply human — inspired a generation of young people to look up rather than down at their phones.
Key Contribution
First Canadian to walk in space. ISS Commander, Expedition 35 (2012–2013). Pioneered space social media — made the ISS feel like a home, not a laboratory. "Space Oddity" filmed aboard ISS became a YouTube phenomenon. Brought 1.3 million Twitter followers the daily view from orbit.
“Decide in your heart of hearts what really excites and challenges you, and start moving your life in that direction. Every week, do something that your future self will thank you for.”
— Chris Hadfield
Works & Achievements
- ✦ISS Commander, Expedition 35 (December 2012 – May 2013)
- ✦First Canadian spacewalk, STS-100 (2001)
- ✦"Space Oddity" filmed in orbit — most watched space video ever
- ✦An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth (2013)
- ✦Commander: In the Eye of the Storm (2021)