Hadfield cemented his place as a trusted and globally recognized Canadian icon when he became the first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station. He is celebrated for making outer space accessible to millions, and for infusing a sense of wonder into our collective consciousness not felt since humanity first walked on the Moon.

Since returning to Earth, Hadfield continues to bring the marvels of science and space travel to everyone he encounters. He is currently the co-creator and host of the internationally acclaimed BBC series Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?, and the co-host, with actor Will Smith, of the National Geographic series One Strange Rock directed by Darren Aronofsky.

Hadfield is also the author of three internationally bestselling books, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, You Are Here, and his children’s book, The Darkest Dark. In 2015, he released his musical album, Space Sessions: Songs From a Tin Can.

Hadfield spent more than three decades working for NASA and the Canadian Space Agency. In 1992, he was selected as a NASA Mission Specialist. Three years later, he was aboard the Shuttle Atlantis, where he helped build the Mir space station. In 2001, on Shuttle Endeavour, Hadfield performed two spacewalks and in 2013, he became Commander of the International Space Station for six months off planet.

A heavily decorated astronaut, engineer, and pilot, Hadfield’s many awards include the Order of Canada, the Meritorious Service Cross, and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. He was also named the Top Test Pilot in both the US Air Force and the US Navy, and was inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame.