Mission possible

Colonel (Ret) Chris Hadfield, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Astronaut and Chief of Robotics for NASA Astronauts Office enthralled his audience with the history of space travel and technology, an insiderÕs look into what being in space was really like and insights into the future of space travel.

It was the man himself, however, with his unassuming grace, determination, Ôbe preparedÕ philosophy and sharp sense of humor, that will resonate with his audience for many years to come. Col. Hadfield was the keynote speaker for the Dalhousie Engineering Banquet (for first and second year Engineering students) held on Sat. March 11 at the Dalhousie University Club.

From his first words when extending his hand during the reception, ÒHi, IÕm Chris and this is my son, Evan,” through to the last autograph of the evening; Chris Hadfield was an inspiration to everyone who attended. Evan, a student at Mount Allison University, was his DadÕs traveling companion during his Maritime tour.

Astronomical goals

From the age of nine, when he saw the Apollo moon landing, Chris knew he wanted to be an astronaut. ÒMe and about ten million other kids,” he chuckled. But how do you make that happen?

There was no set Ôcareer pathÕ. Chris knew, however, that he had to get a good scientific education and keep fit. ÒGrowing up on a farm near Sarnia, Ontario, I was always fixing farm equipment, so Mechanical engineering seemed like something I could do. Plus it would be useful to the Space Program.” Then, in his characteristic good humor, he added ÒMechanical engineering was a good fit for me, as I have trouble understanding anything smaller than my fist.”

By the time he was at the University at Royal Roads Military College, Chris knew that being an astronaut was a very remote probability.  ÒI did know by this time, however, that I wanted to be a part of the Space Program Ð and I did everything possible to be prepared. So if an ad for an astronaut were to appear in the newspaper IÕd be ready.”

ÒIn 1992 an ad actually did appear in the newspaper. The Canadian Space Agency was looking for candidates for their astronaut training program. I applied, as did over 5,300 others. Four of us were chosen.”

Canadian firsts

Since then, Chris has often looked down on Earth Ð but he has never looked back. His experiences include work on some groundbreaking space research, as well as some hilarious moments, when ÒI was outside the ship about to work on the Canadarm and ÔO CanadaÕ came blaring into my head set Ð extra loud.”

During his long career, Chris has had experiences few of us can imagine. In his 1995 mission, he became the first Canadian to operate the Canadarm in orbit. During his 2001 mission, he performed two space walks, which made him the first Canadian to ever leave a spacecraft and float free in space.

Along with his continuing research with the Space Program, he accepts invitations to speak to groups throughout Canada. ÒThis aspect of my career has enabled me to travel across the country and meet Canadians face to face. We have some incredible people in this country, and meeting them increases my pride in being a Canadian.”

During the evening Chris had the opportunity to watch a lively PowerPoint and video presentation by the students. They demonstrated that their good times also had a very serious side. Through several fundraising events, the Dalhousie Undergraduate Student Society (DUES) raised over $6,300 for various charities; for which they recently received the Maritime Charity Challenge Award.

Chris was deeply impressed with the studentÕs achievements. ÒThese students are incredible," 'he said. "Back when I was a student, we couldnÕt hold a candle to their accomplishments.” This was sincere and high praise from a fellow engineer. There is definitely more to come from both Chris Hadfield and this dynamic group of students.