Chris Hadfield becomes first Canadian to command space stationFor the first time in history, a Canadian has taken charge of a space mission.
Chris Hadfield, an astronaut since 1992 with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), took command of the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday (March 13), assuming the lead of the orbiting outpost's 35th expedition crew.
"It is a huge honor and a privilege to me but also for all the people at the Canadian Space Agency... and for my entire country," Hadfield said from on board the station during a change of command ceremony.
"So, for the International Space Station Program, all the international partners, thank you very much for giving me the keys to the 'family car.' We're going to put some miles on it but we'll bring it back in good shape," he said.