In the astronaut business - the shuttle is a very complicated vehicle; it's the most complicated flying machine ever built. And in the astronaut business, we have a saying, which is, 'There is no problem so bad that you can't make it worse.' Chris Hadfield astronautbadbadly share on social
It is spectacular. From about five minutes in, when we knew for sure that we were going to have the weather to go, the smile on my face just got bigger and bigger, and I was just beaming through the whole launch. I mean, it is just an amazing ride. Chris Hadfield amazebeambig share on social
To be on my very first spacewalk, to be outside, and to have contamination in my suit to the point that I couldn't see in either eye - that, I think, would cause some people to lose control. Chris Hadfield contaminationcontroleye Change image and share on social
As an astronaut, especially during launch, half of the risk of a six-month flight is in the first nine minutes. Chris Hadfield astronautflighthalf Change image and share on social
I don't want to be treated like I came from another planet or something or was somehow born with some weird birthright or super power. I don't view myself that way. I am a normal guy, picking up the crap from the dog and scraping the BBQ and having a beer and fixing the shed out back. Chris Hadfield backbbqbear share on social
The best simulator for spacewalking is underwater - it allows full visuals and body movement in 3D. Virtual reality is good, too, and has some advantages, like full Station simulation, not just part. Like all simulators, they have parts that are wrong and misleading: an important thing to remember when preparing for reality. Chris Hadfield advantagebodyfull share on social
To be one of the world's top space robotic arm operators is a necessary skill for an astronaut, but it doesn't have much carry-over. Chris Hadfield armastronautcarry Change image and share on social
What I like to do when I get to a new place is buy local music early on and listen to it while we're driving around. I think it helps explain and illuminate the culture of where you are if local music is playing. Chris Hadfield buyculturedrive share on social
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 you land, stop talking so you don't bite your tongue off. Chris Hadfield backbitecraft Change image and share on social
I'm a mechanical engineer, and I grew up on a farm, so I like practical hardware - somebody's elegant solution that proves itself over the long term. Chris Hadfield elegantengineerfarm Change image and share on social