Canadian Space Agency employees welcomed astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield as he walked in the building. Credit: Canadian Space Agency.
Canadian Astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian to perfrom an extra-vehicular activity (EVA) or spacewalk, first Canadian to control the Canadian arm on the ISS, first Canadian Commander of the ISS announced this retirement from being an active duty astronaut will start on July 3rd, 2013 in Longueuil, Que., Monday, June 10, 2013.
The news media is calling this a surprise but the space community knew this was coming. Colonel Hadfield has had a great 21-year career as an astronaut, two shuttle missions (STS-74, STS-100), a number of EVAs, a full stay at the ISS (Expedition 34/35) and being Commander of the ISS for Expedition 35. There was just not another chance he would get another flight at the age of 53.
There are also two younger Canadian astronaut candidates Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques waiting in the wings for their first trip into space. The CSA (Canadian Space Agency) does not have any spots for their astronauts to head up to the ISS anytime soon. There are no seats for CSA astronauts in the assigned Expeditions 36-45.
To end this post I have to quote Canadian Parliamentary Secretary Chris Alexander, "I would like to personally
thank Chris for his commitment to bringing the spirit of discovery not
only to all Canadians, but to the world."
For those who know Colonel Hadfield, I have only talked to him about 3 times (but all 3 while he was in space), or follow his youtube, twitter, or facebook this seems approate way to sign off:
Read more: http://www.universetoday.com/102813/chris-hadfield-hangs-up-his-astronaut-suit/#ixzz2Vv22Nrwt
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