Robert Thirsk

Robert Thirsk‏‎ (born August 17, 1953) is a Canadian engineer, physician, and former astronaut with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). He holds the Canadian records for the longest space flight (187 days 20 hours) and the most time spent in space (204 days 18 hours).

Early life and education

Thirsk was born in New Westminster, British Columbia, and grew up in Calgary, Alberta. He graduated from Sir Winston Churchill High School in 1971. He then attended the University of Calgary, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1976. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1978, and a Doctor of Medicine degree from McGill University in 1982.

Career

Thirsk was selected to become an astronaut by the CSA in 1983. He first flew in space as a Payload Specialist on STS-78, the 11th flight of Space Shuttle Columbia, in 1996. During this mission, he and his crewmates conducted a number of biomedical and material science experiments.

In 2009, Thirsk flew in space for the second time as a member of Expedition 20 and Expedition 21 to the International Space Station (ISS). During this mission, he became the first Canadian to fly a long-duration expedition on the ISS.

After retiring from the CSA in 2012, Thirsk has been involved in various roles promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and space exploration.

Honours and awards

Thirsk has received numerous honours and awards for his contributions to space exploration and science. These include the NASA Space Flight Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, and the Order of British Columbia.

See also

• List of space travelers by nationality
• Canadian astronauts

External links

• Robert Thirsk's official biography from the Canadian Space Agency