OOTW25 Overview

Celebrating Canada’s Past in Space. Inspiring Its Future.

In 2001, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield became the first Canadian to walk in space. In 2026, Canada will reach for the Moon again with Artemis II.

Out of This World 25 (OOTW25) connects these two defining moments — celebrating 25 years of Canadian excellence in space while inspiring the next generation of explorers.

“It was the most magnificent experience of my life. Alone in a one-person spaceship (my suit), just holding on with my one hand, with the bottomless black universe on my left and the world pouring by in technicolour on my right. I highly recommend it.”

-Chris Hadfield (1)

Commemorating 25 Years — Looking Forward to the Future

In 2026, CanHist.ca will lead a national partnership with McMaster Children and Youth University (MCYU) and multiple science, heritage, and education organizations to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Chris Hadfield becoming the first Canadian to walk in space.

This two-year commemoration — Out of This World 25 (OOTW25) — connects Hadfield’s historic mission in April 2001 with the highly anticipated Artemis II mission, which will see Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen journey around the Moon in April 2026.

Inspiring the Next Generation

OOTW25 is an aspirational, transdisciplinary project that uses Chris Hadfield’s accomplishments as a platform to explore advances in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM). It highlights how teamwork, innovation, and community support have shaped Canada’s space program — and how those same values continue to define a new generation of Canadian astronauts.

Beginning in 2026, this anniversary offers a powerful opportunity in science communication: to celebrate not only a historic mission, but also the people, ideas, and collaborations that made it possible. At its core, OOTW25 invites young learners to Design a Destiny for themselves and step confidently into the unknown.

Indigenous Ways of Knowing

Out of This World 25 recognizes that there are many ways of understanding the universe. For generations, Indigenous peoples in Canada have shared deep knowledge of the skies, stars, and natural world through observation, storytelling, and connection to the land.

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) acknowledges that its headquarters are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk Nation), part of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and recognizes the long history of Indigenous peoples as stewards and knowledge holders of these lands and waters.

Building on this perspective, OOTW25 highlights how Indigenous ways of knowing offer valuable insights into science, astronomy, and discovery. Working with educational partners, OOTW25 will explore how Indigenous ways of knowing can enrich the way Canadians learn about astronomy, discovery, and our place in the universe.

Explore Indigenous Ways of Knowing

A Focus on Science Communication

Project Lead Neil Orford explains:

“At its heart, OOTW25 is about science communication — how we teach, understand, and talk to one another about science. There has never been a more important time for Canadians to share the stories that shape our scientific history. Artemis II represents the next chapter for Canadians in space, yet it could never have happened without the groundbreaking achievements of Colonel Hadfield’s STS-100 mission 25 years ago.”

Working alongside the creative team at MCYU, led by Dr. Sandeep Raha of McMaster University, OOTW25 will immerse young Canadians in innovative tools and expertise across science, mathematics, the arts, and technology — all through an aspirational lens focused on space and the stars.

Explore the Story Through Digital Mapping

Out of This World 25 is partnering with ESRI Canada to develop interactive StoryMaps that will bring Canada’s space history to life through digital storytelling. These immersive experiences will allow visitors to explore missions, milestones, and discoveries through maps, images, and multimedia narratives.

Developed in collaboration with McMaster Children and Youth University (MCYU), these StoryMaps will help connect historic achievements — such as Chris Hadfield walking in space during Mission STS-100 — with Canada’s future in exploration, including Artemis II.

Explore the storymaps

A National Partnership

Led by CanHist.ca and supported by partners including ESRI Canada, the Canadian Space Agency, the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, the Canadian Science & Technology Historical Association, and Canadian History Ehx, OOTW25 is a collaborative, coast-to-coast initiative.

Based in Orangeville, Ontario, CanHist.ca is proud to coordinate this national effort to celebrate Canada’s past achievements in space while inspiring what comes next.

Explore the organizations helping bring OOTW25 to life.

meet our partners

Looking for the full vision, rationale, and framework behind OOTW25?
Explore the Explanatory Addendum for a deeper look at the project’s goals, partnerships, and national scope.

Read the Project Addendum

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.

(1) https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronauts/about-the-job/spacewalks.asp

(2) Jeremy Hanson. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/science/article-artemis-ii-mission-moon-nasa-orion-capsule-astronaut-jeremyhansen/

Out of This World 25 (OOTW25)

Celebrating Canada’s Past in Space. Inspiring Its Future.

A Defining Moment in Canadian Space History

Commemorating 25 Years — Looking Forward to the Future

Explore Out of This World 25

Choose a path and explore the stories, people, and ideas behind Canada’s journey in space.

Canadian Space History

Artemis II Mission

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