Chris Hadfield is an internationally renowned astronaut, author, pilot and musician. Known as the most famous astronaut since Neil Armstrong, he was the Commander of the International Space Station, responsible for a five-astronaut team and running scientific experiments. Today, Chris inspires thousands through his novels and keynote speeches, such as his TED talk, “What I Learned from Going Blind in Space”, captivating audiences with his incredible story.
Chris joined the Canadian Forces in 1985, where he trained to be a Fighter Pilot. As a part of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, he gained his Glider Pilot License, followed by a Master’s Degree in Aviation Systems. In 1982, he became a Test Pilot for the Canadian Forces after graduating at the top of his class from the U.S Air Force Test Pilot School. In 1992, he joined the Canadian Space Agency, following his childhood dream of going into space. Chris first flew up into space in 1995 aboard the STS-74, the second ever shuttle to dock the Mir in history. In 2001, he then flew again on the STS-100, where he became the first Canadian to complete extravehicular activity in outer space while installing the Canadarm2. During this space walk, he became temporarily blind due to a leak in his space suit that irritated his eyes, which he now uses as a metaphor to inspire others in how to remain calm in high-stakes situations. In 2012, he flew for the third and final time to join Expedition 34, where he became Commander of the International Space Station. In 2013, Chris became the founder and CEO of Chris Hadfield Inc., where he uses his platform to give insight into his incredible journey.
Chris additionally served as a consultant to SpaceX and as a member of Virgin Galactic’s Space Advisory Board, where he shared his expert guidance on spacecraft operations and strategy. As a guest on numerous TV, news, and media outlets, such as the BBC News, he gained further popularity by playing the guitar in space, additionally releasing music. Chris now has 15.9K monthly listeners on Spotify. Chris became the co-creator and host of the BBC's 'Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?', a reality series where he assesses candidates' skills. He has also published five books, with his New York Times Bestselling autobiography “An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth”. Additionally, his book was awarded the Canadian Booksellers Association Libris Non-Fiction Book of the Year Award.
Chris is known for making outer space accessible to millions with his social media platform and live media conferences from the International Space Station. His amazing journey has not gone without recognition as the Milton Squadron was renamed “Chris Hadfield Squadron” in his honour, along with a species of Bee being named after him. In 2012, he received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for his exceptional services. Chris is an influential keynote speaker whose journey leaves audiences uplifted and reminded that extraordinary experiences are possible.
Social Media
Books
An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth
The Darkest Dark
The Apollo Murders
You Are Here
The Defector
Chris Hadfield's official speaker topics are listed below:
- Preparing for the Unexpected: How to Manage Through Complexity and Change
- The Business of Space
- Stories Behind "The Apollo Murders"
- STEM
- A Musical Evening with Chris Hadfield
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"We had the huge pleasure of producing Chris’s On Earth & Space 10 date UK & Ireland tour in June 2023. As expected, Chris proved to be a truly exceptional speaker, thrilling packed houses with stories and AV content from his own unmatchable career, while also blowing minds with his unique perspective on the existence of planet Earth, its place in the cosmos and what lies ahead for human space exploration and potential occupation of the moon and Mars. Wrapping up the show with a beautifully performed rendition of Space Oddity, Chris was unflinchingly generous with his many fans, both in the meet and greets before each show and in his thoughtful and honest responses in the Q&A during the show. Two very memorable weeks with Chris, and we hope he’ll be back in the UK very soon." - James, Fane
"Chris’s participation at the reception and his keynote address were exceptional. The event organisers were so impressed with how Chris worked with them and engaged them in conversation. He received a standing ovation from the delegates. The feedback continues to be very positive. Thank Chris, again for making this a memorable event." - Omicron
"It was an absolute pleasure to have Chris here at The Arden Theatre in St. Albert, AB. He was incredibly gracious, and our audiences really appreciated him taking the time to meet everyone that stayed for the book signing after each presentation. It was certainly a memorable and inspiring day for many of us staff members as well. Hopefully one day in the future we can host him again." - Pamela, City of St. Albert
- 2023 - Publication of "The Defector"
- 2022 - Publication of "The Apollo Murders"
- 2021 - Joined Virgin Galactic’s Space Advisory Board
- 2020 - A New species of Bee named “Andrena Hadfield”, in his honour
- 2017 - Hosted BBC TV series "Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?"
- 2015 - Released album "Space Sessions: Songs From a Tin Can"
- 2014 - Published autobiography "An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth", a New York Times bestseller
- 2014 - Made Officer of the Order of Canada; name added to Royal Military College Wall of Honour
- 2013 - Released music video from space, cover of David Bowie’s "Space Oddity"
- 2013 - Took command of the International Space Station (Expedition 35), first Canadian to do so
- 2013 - Awarded Meritorious Service Cross (civilian)
- 2012 - Launched aboard Soyuz TMA-07M as Flight Engineer for ISS Expedition 34
- 2012 - Received Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal
- 2010 - Commander of NEEMO-14 undersea mission aboard Aquarius for 14 days
- 2005 - Milton Squadron renamed “Chris Hadfield Squadron”; Sarnia airport renamed in his honour
- 2002 - Received NASA Exceptional Service Medal; received Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal
- 2001 - Flew on STS-100 mission and performed two spacewalks being first Canadian to walk in space
- 2001 - First Canadian to be awarded Military Meritorious Service Cross
1996 - Appointed The Order of Ontario and received an honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the Royal Military College - 1995 - Flew as Mission Specialist on STS-74
- 1991 - Named US Navy Test Pilot of the Year
- 1988 - Awarded the Liethen-Tittle Award as top graduate of USAF Test Pilot School
How to hire Chris Hadfield
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Chris Hadfield for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
