Statement by Lesley Lewis, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre, on news of Chris Hadfield retiring from the Canadian Space Agency

TORONTO, June 11, 2013 /CNW/ -

On behalf of the Ontario Science Centre, I extend our congratulations and deepest thanks to Chris Hadfield.

Since joining the Canadian astronaut corps in 1992, Chris has achieved many firsts: on his inaugural Space Shuttle flight in 1995 he was the first Canadian to operate the Canadarm in orbit and became the only Canadian to board the Russian space station Mir. In 2001, on his second Space Shuttle flight, he became the first Canadian to go on a spacewalk when he installed the Canadarm2 on the International Space Station. On his most recent flight, Chris became the first Canadian to command the International Space Station, engaged with us daily about the details of his mission via social media and released the first rock video made in space!

Through his ground breaking work, Chris has been an explorer and innovator. He inspired people all around the world, connecting us all to science in action.
At the Ontario Science Centre, we are proud to be the science centre Chris visited as a child and deeply appreciate how often he has returned to inspire our visitors of all ages.  Thank you Chris and we look forward to your next visit!

Image with caption: "Chris Hadfield speaking at the 2010 Weston Youth Innovation Award ceremony at the Ontario Science Centre (CNW Group/Ontario Science Centre)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130611_C7259_PHOTO_EN_27891.jpg

SOURCE: Ontario Science Centre

Anna Relyea
Director, Strategic Communications
Ontario Science Centre
[email protected]
416-696-3273