Longueuil, Quebec, March 13, 2013 – Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), celebrated a historic milestone in Canadian space exploration as Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield became the first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station (ISS).
During the change of command ceremony with his predecessor Commander Kevin Ford (NASA), Hadfield spoke of his pride in representing Canada and commanding the world's space science laboratory. During his command, he will oversee station operations, including over 100 scientific experiments, and be responsible for the safety of the crew and the station.
Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield launched to the Station on December 19, 2012 and will stay aboard until May 13, 2013, when he is due to return to Earth in a Soyuz capsule. He is the second national outside of the US and Russia to command the station and its crew.
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