Astronaut collects degree in person
Robert Thirsk shared highlights of his mission at a news conference.
With his record-setting space flight behind him, Canadian Space Agency astronaut and University of Calgary alumnus Robert Thirsk returned to campus Monday to accept the honorary degree he received “virtually” last July via live satellite downlink while aboard the International Space Station.
“There’s something special about Calgary—the can-do attitude and spirit of exploration—that immediately makes me comfortable and relaxed as soon as I arrive,” said Thirsk, who graduated in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. “The U of C has been very supportive of me throughout my career and particularly during this last mission.”
Thirsk also returned the convocation hood he wore on board the space station during the convocation ceremony. It will be prominently displayed in the U of C’s new Taylor Family Digital Library, opening next year, as an inspirational reminder to students.
Chancellor Joanne Cuthbertson presented Robert Thirsk with his honorary degree diploma.
Chancellor Joanne Cuthbertson said she had been looking forward to presenting the diploma to Thirsk in person. “To have you with us during the ceremony while you orbited high above the Earth was a special moment for me, and it was a unique moment in the University of Calgary’s history,” said Cuthbertson. “You have helped shine a light on the U of C, you bring great pride to our university community and you have inspired future generations of students.”
During the news conference, Thirsk shared highlights of his six-month mission in orbit—the first time a Canadian has ever undertaken a long-duration space mission. “There are no words and no video to properly convey what it’s like to fly like Superman over the Earth,” he said.
“When we had free time, we didn’t watch videos and we didn’t read books. We just looked out the window at our beautiful planet. And if I had a dollar for every time I looked out the window when I passed over Calgary, I’d be a rich man.”
For more details on the mission, visit www.asc-csa.gc.ca/fra/missions/expedition20-21/default.asp.
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February 9, 2010