Chris Hadfield

Astronaut | First Canadian Commander of the International Space Station

A heavily decorated astronaut, engineer, and pilot, Colonel Hadfield’s many awards include the Order of Canada, the Meritorious Service Cross, and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. He was named the Top Test Pilot in both the US Air Force and the US Navy. Colonel Hadfield has been inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame. He has flown three space missions, built two space stations, performed two spacewalks, crewed the Shuttle and Soyuz, and commanded the International Space Station.

Colonel Hadfield is the author of three international bestsellers: “An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, You Are Here,” “The Darkest Dark,” and a new thriller novel, “The Apollo Murders.” He released a music album, “Space Sessions: Songs from a Tin Can,” and his version of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” has been seen by hundreds of millions. His TED talk on fear has been watched 11 million times. Colonel Hadfield is the co-creator/host of the internationally acclaimed BBC series “Astronauts.” He helped create/host the National Geographic series “One Strange Rock” with Will Smith. Colonel Hadfield is the producer of the celebrated “Rare Earth” series on YouTube and the creator of the on-stage celebration “Generator” which combines science, comedy, and music for sold-out audiences.

Additionally, Colonel Hadfield is an adjunct professor at the University of Waterloo, an advisor to SpaceX and Virgin Galactic, and Board Chair of the Open Lunar Foundation.