# Chris Hadfield > Canadian astronaut **Wikidata**: [Q1076962](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1076962) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Hadfield) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chris-hadfield ## Summary Chris Hadfield is a Canadian astronaut who served as a commander on the International Space Station (ISS) during Expedition 35. He is renowned for his educational outreach, including live music performances and social media engagement, which made space exploration accessible to millions worldwide. ## Biography - Born: August 29, 1959, in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada - Nationality: Canadian - Education: - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Engineering Physics, Royal Military College of Canada (1981) - Master of Engineering (Honours) in Flight Test Engineering, Royal Military College of Canada (1983) - Doctor of Philosophy in Aeronautics and Astronautics, University of Toronto (1993) - Known for: Leading Expedition 35 on the ISS, popularizing space exploration through social media and music - Employer(s): Canadian Space Agency, NASA, Royal Military College of Canada, University of Waterloo - Field(s): Aerospace engineering, astronautics, educational outreach ## Contributions - **Expedition 35 (2013)**: Commanded the International Space Station, conducting scientific experiments and maintaining orbital operations. - **Educational Outreach**: Performed live music performances (including guitar and piano) and answered questions via social media, reaching millions of viewers. - **Science Communication**: Authored *An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth*, published in 2013, blending personal experiences with insights on leadership and resilience. - **Spacewalk**: Conducted a spacewalk during Expedition 35, demonstrating technical expertise in extravehicular activity. ## FAQs ### What was Chris Hadfield’s primary role in space? Hadfield commanded Expedition 35 on the International Space Station, overseeing scientific research, maintenance, and crew operations in low Earth orbit. ### How did Chris Hadfield make space exploration accessible to the public? He engaged audiences through live social media broadcasts, including guitar performances and Q&A sessions, making space science and astronaut life relatable to millions. ### What degrees did Chris Hadfield earn? Hadfield holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Physics from the Royal Military College of Canada, a Master of Engineering in Flight Test Engineering from the same institution, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Toronto. ### Where did Chris Hadfield work before becoming an astronaut? He served as a flight test engineer and instructor at the Royal Military College of Canada and later as a professor at the University of Waterloo. ### What awards has Chris Hadfield received? Hadfield has been honored with the Order of Ontario, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. ## Why They Matter Chris Hadfield’s work transformed public perception of space exploration, demonstrating that science and art could coexist in the harsh environment of space. His social media presence and educational initiatives inspired a new generation of scientists and engineers, proving that astronauts could be both technical experts and cultural ambassadors. His leadership on Expedition 35 set a precedent for future missions, emphasizing the importance of human connection in space travel. ## Notable For - Commanding Expedition 35 on the International Space Station (2013) - Performing live music in space, including guitar and piano, for global audiences - Authoring *An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth* (2013) - Receiving the Order of Ontario and NASA Exceptional Service Medal - Conducting a spacewalk during Expedition 35 - Popularizing space science through social media and educational outreach ## Body ### Early Life and Education Chris Hadfield was born on August 29, 1959, in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. He pursued higher education at the Royal Military College of Canada, earning a Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Physics in 1981 and a Master of Engineering in Flight Test Engineering in 1983. His academic journey continued at the University of Toronto, where he completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Aeronautics and Astronautics in 1993. ### Career and Military Service Hadfield began his career as a flight test engineer and instructor at the Royal Military College of Canada. His military background laid the foundation for his later work in aerospace engineering. He later transitioned to academia, serving as a professor at the University of Waterloo, where he taught aerospace engineering and space systems. ### Astronaut Training and Selection Hadfield was selected as an astronaut by the Canadian Space Agency in 1992 as part of NASA Astronaut Group 14. His rigorous training prepared him for missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He completed advanced training in robotics, spacecraft systems, and extravehicular activity (EVA). ### Expedition 35 and Spaceflight Hadfield commanded Expedition 35 on the ISS from December 2013 to May 2014. During his mission, he conducted scientific experiments, maintained orbital operations, and performed a spacewalk. His most notable contribution was his live social media engagement, including guitar performances and Q&A sessions, which reached millions of viewers worldwide. ### Educational Outreach and Public Engagement Hadfield’s ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to the public set him apart. He used platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook to share his experiences, making space exploration accessible to a global audience. His performances of David Bowie’s "Space Oddity" and other songs during his mission became viral sensations. ### Post-Spaceflight Work After his mission, Hadfield continued to advocate for space exploration and education. He authored *An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth*, published in 2013, which blends his personal experiences with insights on leadership and resilience. He also served as an executive producer for the documentary *Space: A Journey to Our Future*, which premiered in 2015. ### Awards and Recognition Hadfield’s contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Order of Ontario, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. His work has been celebrated for its impact on science education and public engagement. ### Legacy and Influence Chris Hadfield’s legacy extends beyond his time in space. His ability to connect with audiences through music and social media has inspired a new generation of scientists and engineers. His work has demonstrated that astronauts can be both technical experts and cultural ambassadors, bridging the gap between science and the public imagination. ## References 1. [Source](http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronauts/biohadfield.asp) 2. datos.bne.es 3. YouTube video 4. Integrated Authority File 5. [Source](https://www.ontario.ca/page/order-ontario#section-7) 6. [Source](https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/146-11003) 7. [Source](https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/125-22706) 8. [Source](https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/126-207514) 9. [Source](https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/139-226) 10. [Source](https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/136-11003) 11. Virtual International Authority File 12. CiNii Research 13. MusicBrainz 14. [Max Q Live. 2009](https://www.airspacemag.com/space/max-q-live-46704639/) 15. Internet Speculative Fiction Database 16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 17. Chris Hadfield: What I learned from going blind in space 18. BBC Things 19. Quora 20. YouTube API 21. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/chris-hadfield-107Zzr2zE0/appearances)