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VIDEO: Astronaut Chris Hadfield surprises rural North Okanagan students with visit

Decorated Canadian speaks to students in Falkland about space travels

Canada’s beloved astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield delivered an out-of-this-world presentation to the students of Falkland School on Friday, Sept. 17.

Hadfield was on his way to pick up his new puppy, Henry, in the rural North Okanagan community when he stopped at the school to sing with some students and share his stories.

Following COVID-19 protocols, Hadfield spoke with the two eldest classes in the gymnasium while parents and other classes listened in via livestream.

The Order of Canada winner shared stories about how he flew in three space missions, built two space stations, performed two spacewalks, crewed the Shuttle and Soyuz and commanded the International Space Station.

He told students he circled the earth 2,650 times, saw the sun 16 times in one day, lived in space for a year and half and was the first Canadian to leave a spacecraft and walk in space.

Hadfield, known also for his musical talents, even stopped into a Grade 1 and 2 class to sing and play guitar.

“We feel so fortunate that he was able to pop in for a visit to share about his accomplishments and experiences in space,” the school said, thanking the Robinson family for coordinating the visit.

“Thank you to Chris Hadfield for the visit and sharing your experiences with our school community. Falkland School students, staff and families are grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

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