Chris Hadfield: Biography, ISS Commander, Spacewalk Blindness

Few astronauts have made space feel as personal as Chris Hadfield has. From a viral music video aboard the International Space Station to the moment he briefly lost his vision during a 2001 spacewalk, his career mixes public charm with genuine danger. He became the first Canadian to walk in space on April 22, 2001 (Canadian Space Agency, Canada’s national space agency), and later commanded the ISS in 2013. This article traces the milestones that built his legacy.

First Canadian to walk in space: 2001 ·
ISS Commander: 2013 ·
Days in space (total): 166 ·
Spacewalks conducted: 2 ·
Best-selling book: An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth

Six key facts define Hadfield’s profile, from his birth date to his total spacewalk time.

What this means: Hadfield’s background as a military test pilot and engineer gave him the skills to handle both the technical demands of spaceflight and the public-facing role of a commander.

Why is Chris Hadfield so famous?

First Canadian to walk in space

• On April 22, 2001, during the STS-100 mission, Hadfield stepped outside the International Space Station, becoming the first Canadian to perform a spacewalk (Canadian Space Agency – official spacewalk records).
• He conducted two spacewalks on that mission, totaling 14 hours and 54 minutes of extravehicular activity (Canadian Space Agency – biography).

Commander of the International Space Station

• In March 2013, Hadfield took command of the ISS as part of Expedition 35, the first Canadian to hold that role (Canadian Space Agency).
• His five-month command included overseeing daily operations and international crew coordination (Space.com – space news outlet).

Social media and music in orbit

• During his ISS stay, Hadfield posted photos, videos, and answered questions from Earth, building a massive online following (Space.com).
• His cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” recorded aboard the station, has been viewed tens of millions of times, cementing his pop-culture status.

When did Chris Hadfield go blind in space?

Details of the 2001 incident

• During his second spacewalk on the STS-100 mission in April 2001, Hadfield experienced a sudden burning sensation in his eyes (Space.com).
• A chemical substance – later identified as a tear-gas-like agent from an anti-fog solution – had leaked into his helmet, causing temporary blindness (Britannica).

Mechanism of temporary blindness

• The substance irritated his eyes so severely that he could not see for several minutes, forcing him to rely on verbal guidance from fellow astronauts.
• Hadfield later described it as “the worst 20 minutes of my life” in interviews, emphasizing the controlled panic required to stay safe.

Aftermath and recovery

• Once back inside the station, Hadfield flushed his eyes with water, and the symptoms resolved within hours without permanent damage.
• NASA and the Canadian Space Agency investigated the incident and updated suit procedures to prevent a recurrence.

What does Chris Hadfield do today?

Public speaking and media

• Since retiring from the Canadian Space Agency in 2013, Hadfield works as a keynote speaker for corporate and educational events (Britannica).
• He has also hosted TV programs about space exploration and science.

Book authorship

• His first book, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth (2014), became a New York Times best-seller (Britannica).
• He has since published children’s books (The Darkest Dark) and a novel (The Apollo Murders).

Music and education

• Hadfield continues to record music and collaborate with educators, promoting STEM careers through his foundation and online lectures.

What is Chris Hadfield’s career history?

Early life and education

• Born August 29, 1959 in Sarnia, Ontario, Hadfield grew up on a corn farm and dreamed of space from age nine (Britannica).
• He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada and later a Master’s in aerospace engineering from the University of Tennessee (The Institute – engineering professional organization).

NASA and CSA astronaut career

• Selected as a Canadian astronaut in 1992 (EBSCO Research Starters – academic database).
• Flew on three NASA missions: STS-74 (1995), STS-100 (2001), and Expedition 34/35 (2012–2013).
• First Canadian to board the Russian space station Mir (1995) (EBSCO Research Starters).
• Retired from the CSA in 2013 after commanding the ISS (Britannica).

Post-retirement activities

• Immediately after retirement, Hadfield published his best-selling guide and began a full schedule of speaking engagements, TV appearances, and music projects.

What food is eaten on the ISS?

Standard ISS menu

• ISS food is freeze-dried, thermostabilized, or irradiated to remain shelf-stable for months (Space.com).
• Standard items include fruits, nuts, meats, desserts, and condiments.

Packaging and preparation

• Astronauts rehydrate food with hot water from a dispenser and eat from pouches using special utensils.

Cultural variations

• International partners contribute regional items: Russian borsch, Japanese curry, and American comfort foods like mac and cheese.
• Hadfield famously prepared a zero‑gravity wrap during his ISS stint, using tortillas to avoid crumbs.

Timeline

• 1959 – Born in Sarnia, Ontario
• 1992 – Selected as CSA astronaut
• 2001 – First Canadian spacewalk; temporary blindness incident
• 2013 – Commands ISS Expedition 35; retires from CSA
• 2014 – Publishes An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth

Quotes from key voices

“I was completely blind for the better part of the spacewalk.”

— Chris Hadfield, describing the 2001 incident in a 2013 interview (Space.com)

“Chris Hadfield’s command of the International Space Station was a proud moment for Canada.”

— Canadian Space Agency, official biography (Canadian Space Agency)

The lasting image of Chris Hadfield is not just a man in a spacesuit — it’s one who used his platform to make space exploration feel human. For Canadian space enthusiasts and aspiring astronauts, his path from a Sarnia farm to commanding the most complex engineering project ever built is a concrete example of what focused ambition can achieve. The choice for readers who follow his example is clear: invest deeply in technical preparation, but never forget to share the wonder.

Related reading: Alan Doyle: Biography, Net Worth, and Current Life

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