Nothing focuses your mind quite like flying a jet. That's one reason NASA requires that astronauts fly T-38s: it forces us to… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
My father was an airline pilot, so we travelled more spontaneously than a lot of families. On a Thursday, we could decide… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
I'm a mechanical engineer, and I grew up on a farm, so I like practical hardware - somebody's elegant solution that proves… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
When you're on one of the Caribbean islands, sometimes it's hard to picture how they fit in with the rest, but when… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
The best simulator for spacewalking is underwater - it allows full visuals and body movement in 3D. Virtual reality is good, too,… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
What I like to do when I get to a new place is buy local music early on and listen to it… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
If you don't like airline food, you'll probably have the same impression of space station food. I would not fly to space… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
I don't want to be treated like I came from another planet or something or was somehow born with some weird birthright… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
And then finally, I'm the commander, so I am fundamentally responsible for the lives of the other people on board and the… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
In the Soyuz, the little Russian capsule, you can actually hear the banging of the big shield, the big heat shield on… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
“Wow, that was a really good sleep. I feel great. Hmm, that sounds like someone on the radio; maybe I’m still dreaming. Weird—the guy… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
“Sometimes when people find out I’m an astronaut, they ask, “So what do you do when you’re not flying in space?” — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
My optimism and confidence come not from feeling I'm luckier than other mortals, and they sure don't come from visualizing victory. They're the result… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
Our training pushes us to develop a new set of instincts: instead of reacting to danger with a fight-or-flight adrenaline rush, we're trained to… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
“That’s how I approach just about everything. I spend my life getting ready to play “Rocket Man.” I picture the most demanding challenge; I… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
“Many people object to “wasting money in space” yet have no idea how much is actually spent on space exploration. The CSA’s budget, for… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
Don't let life randomly kick you into the adult you don't want to become — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
The Soyuz craft weighs tons, and you're lying on the floor of it on your back. But the Russians do tell you, remember, before… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
“They have the impression that between launches, we pretty much sit around in a waiting room in Houston trying to catch our breath before… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
It's almost comical that astronauts are stereotyped as daredevils and cowboys. As a rule, we're highly methodical and detail-oriented. Our passion isn't for thrills… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
“If you’re an adrenaline junkie, I understand why you’d find that exciting. But I’m not, and I don’t. To me, the only good reason… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
I once made myself black out by pulling G too quickly while flying an F-18. Being unconscious in a single-seat airplane is not good.… — Chris Hadfield Copy Share Image
