Chris Hadfield shared insights into his latest book, his life in space, and the joys of family life.

Known as an astronaut, author, TV host, and TED speaker, Hadfield spoke to Seán Defoe on The Anton Savage Show about his multifaceted career.

“I’m pleased with the things I’ve done so far, but I’m super excited about the stuff that I’m doing now,” Hadfield said when asked about his many achievements, as he recently launched his newest book, Final Orbit.

The former astronaut spoke about his love of writing and reading.

E8J0N8 In support of the Blood Pressure Regulation (BP Reg) investigation, Expedition 35 Commander Chris Hadfield 

“I always enjoyed writing. It was my favorite subject in school, English and language and writing,” he said.

Hadfield added, “I’m always, at any given point, reading two books. I’m reading one where I’m learning something, some deep nonfiction topic, but I’m also always reading some thriller fiction, action thriller fiction.”

Christmas in space

Hadfield also reflected on spending Christmas aboard the International Space Station back in 2012, a unique experience far from home.

“It’s hard to order in all the gifts and the decorations and the tree, you can’t hang things with care because nothing hangs,” he explained.

Despite the logistical challenges, Hadfield described the day as special.

“It’s a great place to spend Christmas, you’re going around the world every 90 minutes.

You can call your friends at each place and wish them a happy Christmas no matter where they are.”

He described how the crew celebrated: “We gathered and shared what Christmas meant for each of us. We even sang songs from different parts of the world," he explained.

Hadfield said it was far from lonely.

“Lots of people spend Christmas working or away, and I was with good friends in a place that was really important to me. I had time during the day to video conference with my family, it was not a traditional, normal Christmas day, but it was a great one.”

Family life

“Having a daughter is wonderful, but a daughter who then has a daughter, to me that’s heaven,”

Hadfield said, reflecting on becoming a grandfather.

He described connecting with his grandchildren across the world, adding, “In fact, in an hour and a half, she and I sit down just before she goes to bed, and we’re reading the Canadian classic series Anne of Green Gables together and I’m grateful for it.”

On writing fiction, Hadfield emphasised its power.

“Fiction opens up everything to you, it allows you to expand the edges of your own awareness of what might be possible.”