Col. Chris Hadfield

Former astronaut Chris Hadfield discusses his thrilling new book, Final Orbit, and the fascinating Cold War era that inspires it. He reflects on UAPs, the moon landing hoax, and the essential role of humans in space exploration. Hadfield shares insights into checklists for safety, the historical impact of figures like Wernher von Braun, and the complexities of international space rivalries, particularly with China. He emphasizes the importance of human agency in storytelling and exploration beyond mere robotic missions.

Former astronaut Chris Hadfield shares insights into his transition from space to the written word. He discusses how his extensive experience in spaceflight informs his fiction, particularly in his upcoming novel Final Orbit, a Cold War thriller. Hadfield delves into the fascinating real historical figures woven into his narrative, from Nixon to Chinese space pioneers. He also highlights the eerie parallels between 1970s geopolitics and today's landscape, encouraging readers to reflect on history's impact on the present.

Col. Chris Hadfield, a former Commander of the International Space Station and veteran of three spaceflights, dives into the critical role of language in space exploration. He reveals how astronauts must master a specialized vocabulary for life-or-death situations. Chris shares poetic insights on conveying the awe of seeing Earth from above and discusses the emotional weight of storytelling in aviation. He connects his experiences as an astronaut to his work as a novelist, highlighting the challenges and joys of transforming those stories into fiction.