Chris Hadfield is one of the most recognisable astronauts of our time, known for his extraordinary space missions and ability to communicate complex scientific ideas with clarity, humour, and heart. As a motivational speaker, he combines decades of high-stakes experience with a natural gift for storytelling, captivating audiences worldwide. From his viral music videos aboard the International Space Station to his best-selling books and popular TED talk “What I Learned from Going Blind in Space”, Chris leaves audiences inspired, energised, and ready to tackle their own challenges with renewed perspective.
Chris’s journey began with a childhood dream, sparked by watching the Apollo 11 moon landing. He earned his Glider Pilot Licence as a teenager in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, then pursued Engineering Studies at the Royal Military College while serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. After excelling as a Fighter Pilot, he became a decorated Test Pilot, named US Navy Test Pilot of the Year in 1991. His first spaceflight took place in 1995 aboard STS-74, followed by a second mission in 2001, during which he became the first Canadian to walk in space. His final mission in 2012 led to him commanding the ISS, where he conducted scientific research, managed international teams, and became a global media figure through his engaging educational videos from orbit.
Since retiring from the Canadian Space Agency in 2013, Chris has continued to reach new audiences. He authored five books, including "An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth", which became a New York Times bestseller. His debut album, Space Sessions, recorded aboard the ISS, reached the Canadian top ten. He has hosted BBC programmes, served on Virgin Galactic’s Space Advisory Board, and even had a species of bee named after him. His thrillers, The "Apollo Murders" and "The Defector", showcase his ability to merge storytelling with technical insight, further expanding his influence beyond aerospace.
Organisations hire Chris for his rare blend of credibility, charisma, and clarity, built on decades of experience as an astronaut, fighter pilot, engineer, and leader in some of the most extreme environments imaginable. He speaks not just about space, but about resilience, leadership, teamwork, and thriving under intense pressure, drawing on real-life stories from orbit and the lessons they hold for life on Earth. With a gift for making complex ideas engaging and relatable, he inspires audiences to think bigger, act with purpose, and face challenges with confidence. People leave his talks with a fresh understanding of human potential and a renewed belief in what’s possible.
