After completing three space missions, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield pondered his next steps upon reentering Earth. Hadfield described the experience as a rebirth, prompting him to reflect on his aspirations and goals. Transitioning from astronaut to author, Hadfield fulfilled his dream of writing, producing a variety of works including nonfiction, children’s books, and a series of fast-paced thrillers titled The Apollo Murders.
The latest installment in his series, “Final Orbit,” is set in 1975 amid the Cold War space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Hadfield shared insights with Mattea Roach on his journey from space explorer to storyteller, drawing inspiration from real-life events and research to craft his fiction.
Hadfield revealed that writing had always been a passion, rooted in his love for language and storytelling. Despite his interest, he chose a different path to pursue his dream of space exploration, acknowledging that a focus on literature might have hindered his astronaut ambitions.
“Final Orbit” delves into a joint mission between the U.S. and Soviet Union in July 1975, a complex endeavor that required meticulous planning and coordination due to technological and geopolitical challenges. The successful docking of the Soyuz and Apollo spacecraft symbolized a triumph of collaboration in tumultuous times.
The main character in Hadfield’s series, Kaz Zemeckis, draws inspiration from real-life aviation incidents, including an encounter with a seagull during a high-speed test flight. Combining personal experiences and those of a colleague who lost an eye in a bird strike, Hadfield crafted a compelling narrative around Kaz’s character, infusing realism into his fictional universe.
The interview with Hadfield, edited for brevity and clarity, sheds light on his creative process and the intricate blend of fact and fiction in his storytelling. The production credits go to Alicia Cox Thomson, with acknowledgment to Sarah Cooper for their contributions to the interview.