CHRIS HADFIELD RETIRES The once 15 year-old Air Cadet who dreamt of becoming a pilot and an astronaut yesterday announced his retirement from the Canadian Space Agency after 21 years in the business of space science and exploration. Now 53, Col. Chris Hadfield, who was raised on a corn farm in Southern Ontario, leaves behind a remarkable and inspirational career that Canada’s parliamentary secretary said made him “a Canadian hero and icon”. Among other things, Hadfield flew fighter jets during the Cold War before testing modified F/A 18 Hornets and A-7 aircraft. In his three space flights, he performed 130 science experiments and on his third flight, became the first Canadian to command the International Space Station (he’s also the first Canadian to perform a “spacewalk”). Despite all this, it’s Hadfield’s modesty and willingness to include the people of Earth in his travels that defines him as a unique person. During his undoubtedly busy schedule as an astronaut, Hadfield always maintained an enthusiastic presence on social media websites, promoting science and space to fans by posting regular photographs of the earth from space and by making fascinating observations related to his work. He also made numerous virtual visits to classrooms across the USA (from space) so as to answer children’s questions about life as an astronaut. And as if that wasn’t enough, he even recorded a rocking music video cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”… in space (bit.ly/19gdIjW). In hanging up the boots, Hadfield hopes to be able to “pursue new professional challenges” and allow other young astronauts room to flourish within the space program. Congratulations Chris Hadfield. We wish you every success for the next chapter of your life. - ANB. Sources: bit.ly/15RVUM6 bit.ly/chUmWG bit.ly/15R8Odb Picture: bit.ly/11socIE
Posted on: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:55:19 +0000
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