Photo: Robert Markowitz / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Take
Chris Hadfield is, to my mind, the rare scientist who is also a born communicator. The Sarnia-born test pilot flew two Shuttle missions and commanded the ISS, an extraordinary resume on its own. But what truly captivates me is his decision to float in orbit and sing 'Space Oddity,' turning the cold frontier of space into something tender and human. That instinct to share wonder rather than hoard expertise is what makes him special. Decorated many times over, he matters most to me for shrinking the distance between everyday people and the cosmos, making the stars feel reachable.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Chris Hadfield
- Name (Japanese)
- クリス・ハドフィールド
- Reading
- くりす・はどふぃーるど
- Born
- August 29, 1959 (age 66)
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Virgo / Boar
- Origin
- Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- astronaut / executive producer / aircraft pilot / songwriter / singer
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- Milton District High School
- University
- Royal Roads University
Awards & achievements
- 1996 Order of Ontario
- 2015 Officer of the Order of Canada
- 2002 NASA Exceptional Service Medal
- 2002 Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
- 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
- 2001 Meritorious Service Cross
- 2013 Meritorious Service Cross
- 1996 honorary doctorate
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
5. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | Chris Hadfield: What I learned from going blind in space | — | |
| Notable work | performance of 'Space Oddity' during ISS Expedition 35 | — |
6. Links
Frequently asked questions
When was Chris Hadfield born?
Born August 29, 1959 (age 66).
Where is Chris Hadfield from?
Chris Hadfield is from Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.
What does Chris Hadfield do?
Chris Hadfield works as astronaut, executive producer, aircraft pilot, songwriter, singer.
What is Chris Hadfield known for?
Notable works include Chris Hadfield: What I learned from going blind in space, performance of 'Space Oddity' during ISS Expedition 35.
Astronaut — see all → · Executive producer — see all → · More people from Canada →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-17
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.