Commander Chris Hadfield Retires From Space

Fanghawk

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Feb 17, 2011
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Commander Chris Hadfield Retires From Space

One of the internet's most beloved astronauts is stepping down from the Canadian Space Agency, bringing a decades-long career to a close.

Of all the astronauts helping make the world a more awesome place, Commander Chris Hadfield is among the most recognizable. Stationed with NASA by the Canadian Space Agency, Hadfield recently attracted worldwide attention while using social media from the International Space Station. Whether <a href=www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/123453-This-is-What-Happens-When-You-Wring-a-Washcloth-in-Space>conducting experiments on the nature of space physics, or <a href=www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/122109-ISS-Commander-Records-Song-With-Barenaked-Ladies-From-Space>playing the guitar with professional musicians, Hadfield captivated the entire internet while making space travel exciting for the general public. Sadly, all good things must come to an end: Hadfield recently announced that as of July 3rd, he will be retiring from the CSA and bringing his decades-long space career to a satisfying close.

"I've had such an interesting career and after 35 years it's time to step down," Hadfield told reporters at Montreal's Canadian Space Agency headquarters. "I'm the last astronaut of my class that's still around."

Hadfield hasn't fully decided what to do next, but he does intend to give presentations about his space travels over the coming year. He'll also be pursing private, non-government interests, and taking some time to recover his physical strength after months of living on the ISS. Among his top priorities is a return his native Canada, having lived in Houston, Texas when he wasn't in a gravity-free environment. "[I'll be] making good on a promise I made my wife nearly 30 years ago - that yes, eventually, we would be moving back to Canada," Hadfield said. "I'm looking forward to the next phase of life."

Although Hadfield is stepping down, he seems to have strong hopes for the future of the agency. "There are so many young astronauts in the program," Hadfield commented. "I would be an obstacle for them." Personally, I think that comment just provides more evidence of how Commander Hadfield was one of the classiest gents in space. Here's wishing him all the best in whatever he does next.

Source: <a href=http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2013/06/10/tech-hadfield-mission-recap.html>CBC
Image: <a href=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KaOC9danxNo>YouTube

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Formica Archonis

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Nov 13, 2009
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Fanghawk said:
"[I'll be] making good on a promise I made my wife nearly 30 years ago - that yes, eventually, we would be moving back to Canada," Hadfield said. "I'm looking forward to the next phase of life."
Welcome back home, Commander.
 

Chrono212

Fluttershy has a mean K:DR
May 19, 2009
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What would happen if Mark Meer (Commander Shepherd) were to meet Commander Hadfield?

They're both Canadian and, as we all know, Canada is a notoriously small place.

OT: Yeah, there's not much better to put on a business card than 'Astronaut'. The 'Retired' part does nothing to diminish it.
 

guitarsniper

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Mar 5, 2011
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Chris Hadfield has been one of the most inspiring public figures in recent years, and though I am sorry to see him step down, I hope that other astronauts carry on his legacy of making space interesting to the general public who might not otherwise care.
 

Demandred20

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Apr 13, 2013
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Chrono212 said:
What would happen if Mark Meer (Commander Shepherd) were to meet Commander Hadfield?

They're both Canadian and, as we all know, Canada is a notoriously small place.

OT: Yeah, there's not much better to put on a business card than 'Astronaut'. The 'Retired' part does nothing to diminish it.
Astronaut is like Marine. There is no retired or former.
 

Chrono212

Fluttershy has a mean K:DR
May 19, 2009
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Demandred20 said:
Chrono212 said:
What would happen if Mark Meer (Commander Shepherd) were to meet Commander Hadfield?

They're both Canadian and, as we all know, Canada is a notoriously small place.

OT: Yeah, there's not much better to put on a business card than 'Astronaut'. The 'Retired' part does nothing to diminish it.
Astronaut is like Marine. There is no retired or former.
Succinctness to the point of fine art, sir.
 

eltonborges

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Apr 25, 2008
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To part ways with something you love, but leaving behind such a nice history to tell. That's a destiny I would like to have.
 

SlightlyEvil

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Jan 17, 2008
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Demandred20 said:
Chrono212 said:
What would happen if Mark Meer (Commander Shepherd) were to meet Commander Hadfield?

They're both Canadian and, as we all know, Canada is a notoriously small place.

OT: Yeah, there's not much better to put on a business card than 'Astronaut'. The 'Retired' part does nothing to diminish it.
Astronaut is like Marine. There is no retired or former.
Slightly off-topic, but I've wondered about this. If Marines insist that there's no such thing as a "former" Marine, then how do they distinguish between current actively serving personnel, and those who are no longer serving? I accept that the state of mind is similar, but only one of those gets shot at on a regular basis.
 

Strazdas

Robots will replace your job
May 28, 2011
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as if we didnt have enough bad news yet. it is sad to see this awesome man go, i hope there would be more like him in the world.
 

SmugFrog

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Sep 4, 2008
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He was the best at space.

"Dad are you space?"
"Yes son, now we can be a family again."