Chris Hadfield
One Canadian story in space helped inspire a generation to look upward.
Chris Hadfield and Canada’s Space Story
Col. Chris Hadfield’s career helped shape one of the most recognizable chapters in Canada’s story in space.
As the first Canadian to operate the Canadarm, the first Canadian to walk in space, and the first Canadian to command the International Space Station, Hadfield’s achievements represent a series of defining national milestones. His April 2001 spacewalk remains one of the landmark moments at the heart of OOTW25.
Through Out of This World 25, Hadfield’s story helps connect earlier achievements in Canadian space history with the present moment — reminding us how one generation of exploration 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 from Canadian History Ehx, Craig Baird traces Chris Hadfield’s journey from a childhood fascination with space to a career that would place him at the centre of some of Canada’s most important moments in orbit. The episode follows his path through military aviation, astronaut selection, shuttle missions, the Mir program, his historic spacewalks, command of the International Space Station, and his continuing public role in sharing the wonder of space with Canadians.
For OOTW25, this episode offers a wide-ranging look at why Hadfield’s story remains so important to Canada’s continuing story in space.
Hearing Chris Hadfield reflect on exploration brings a personal voice to a historic Canadian story.
Watch the Interview
An Interview with Chris Hadfield. Col. Chris Hadfield went to space three times, and was the first Canadian to operate the Canadarm, the first to spacewalk and the first to command the International Space Station. He is also an acclaimed best-selling author who helps inspire many to pursue their own dreams.
In this full interview, Craig Baird speaks with Chris Hadfield about the inspirations that first drew him toward space, the choices that shaped his career, the experience of seeing Earth from outside the spacecraft, and the importance of exploration as a deeply human instinct. He also reflects on sharing space with the public and why missions like Artemis II matter.
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 story stands at the meeting point of innovation, public imagination, and national achievement.
His missions helped mark several Canadian firsts in space, but his legacy also reaches beyond those milestones. Through his public speaking, writing, photography, music, and media outreach, Hadfield helped make space exploration feel more immediate, more human, and more accessible to people on Earth.
For OOTW25, his story helps show how Canada’s past achievements in space continue to shape present ambitions and future possibilities.
Explore more stories, conversations, and perspectives that help tell Canada’s story in space.
Explore More from Canadian History Ehx
Craig Baird’s Canadian History Ehx continues to bring Canadian history to life through podcast episodes, interviews, and original storytelling.
For more conversations and features from Canadian History Ehx, visit their website.
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 explore how Canadian milestones in orbit continue to inspire future generations of discovery, learning, and exploration.
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Sources & Image Credits
This page includes information from Canadian Space Agency resources. Many images are courtesy of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and are used with permission. Other visuals are licensed stock photography or approved website assets. Image credits are provided here collectively as part of the page design.
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