One Canadian story in space helped inspire a generation to look upward.
Chris Hadfield and Canada’s Space Story
Col. Chris Hadfield's remarkable career has helped shape one of the most recognizable chapters in Canadian space history. As the first Canadian to operate the Canadarm in orbit, the first to walk in space, and the first to command the International Space Station, Hadfield's achievements represent a series of defining milestones for Canada.
His historic April 2001 spacewalk during Mission STS-100, when he helped install Canadarm2 on the International Space Station, remains a landmark achievement at the heart of Out of This World 25 (OOTW25).
Through OOTW25, Hadfield's story connects Canada's earlier achievements in space with a new era of exploration, reminding us how one generation of discovery can inspire the next.
A remarkable life in space can be explored through both story and conversation.
Listen to the Podcast
In this special biography episode of Canadian History Ehx, Craig Baird explores Chris Hadfield's extraordinary journey from a childhood fascination with space to becoming one of Canada's most celebrated astronauts.
The episode traces his career through military aviation, astronaut training, his missions aboard the space shuttles, his visit to the Russian space station Mir, his historic spacewalks, and his eventual command of the International Space Station.
For OOTW25, this fascinating episode offers a deeper look at the determination, teamwork, and innovation behind Hadfield's achievements — and why his story continues to inspire Canadians to reach for the stars.
Hearing Chris Hadfield reflect on exploration brings a personal voice to a historic Canadian story.
Watch the Interview
In this engaging interview, Craig Baird speaks with Col. Chris Hadfield about the experiences and inspirations that first sparked his interest in space exploration and the important decisions that shaped his remarkable career.
Hadfield shares his perspective on seeing Earth from space, the extraordinary experience of travelling beyond our planet, and the importance of exploration as a fundamental part of human curiosity.
He also reflects on his passion for sharing the wonders of space with the public, inspiring future generations, and why missions such as Artemis II are so important to the future of human space exploration.
Watch the full interview below.
Canada’s story in space is built on firsts, partnerships, and the courage to keep exploring.
Why Chris Hadfield Matters to OOTW25
Chris Hadfield's legacy extends far beyond his historic achievements in orbit. His career represents the innovation, international cooperation, and determination that have helped establish Canada's place in space exploration.
Through his writing, photography, music, public speaking, and educational outreach, Hadfield has brought the experience of space closer to millions of people, transforming complex scientific achievements into stories that inspire curiosity and imagination.
For Out of This World 25, his story provides a powerful connection between Canada's achievements of the past and the possibilities of the future. His 2001 spacewalk stands as a defining moment in Canadian history, while his continuing influence reminds us that exploration begins with curiosity and the courage to imagine what comes next.
Explore more stories, conversations, and perspectives that help tell Canada’s story in space.
Explore More from Canadian History Ehx
Through engaging podcasts, interviews, and original storytelling, Craig Baird's Canadian History Ehx brings the people, events, and defining moments of Canada's history to life.
As an official broadcast partner for CanHist, Canadian History Ehx helps share the remarkable stories behind Canada's achievements, including the people and innovations that have shaped our journey into space.
Discover more fascinating Canadian stories, historical perspectives, and conversations through Canadian History Ehx.
Chris Hadfield’s achievements remain one of the defining chapters in Canada’s journey in space. Through Out of This World 25, his story offers an opportunity to discover how Canada's achievements in orbit continue to inspire future generations of explorers, innovators, and lifelong learners.
Our Partners
Sources & Image Credits
Historical and biographical information presented on this page draws upon resources from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), including its official Chris Hadfield biography and Mission STS-100 materials.
The featured biography podcast and video interview are presented by Craig Baird of Canadian History Ehx, an official broadcast partner for CanHist.
Space imagery is attributed to its respective creators and rights holders, including the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA, where applicable. Additional visuals may include licensed stock photography and approved CanHist website assets. Image use remains subject to the applicable permissions and credit requirements.
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.