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    Chris Hadfield takes command of ISS: ‘We’re going to put some miles on it’

    Astronaut becomes first Canadian to command International Space Station

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    @Cmdr_Hadfield takes command of the International Space Station

    With keys to ‘the spaceship’ in hand, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield has officially taken command of the International Space Station. He accepted the duties from Kevin Ford, who had been head of ISS since November.

    Storified by Maclean’s Magazine· Thu, Mar 14 2013 03:51:18

    Good Morning, Earth! A Wednesday in space, time for 16 sunrises, a day of research work, and tonight Kevin hands me the spaceship’s keys.Chris Hadfield
    Crew stands at attention as #Canada’s national anthem plays @Cmdr_Hadfield http://pic.twitter.com/bjyUrTkzamKatrina
    “Thank you very much for giving me the keys to the family car,” Hadfield said during the handover. “We’re going to put some miles on it, but we’ll bring it back in good shape.”
    @Cmdr_Hadfield takes charge. #ISS #Canadaisproud http://pic.twitter.com/aWGMC1OItLDoug McDowall
    Proud moment for Canada! @Cmdr_Hadfield just became Commander of Space Station! http://pic.twitter.com/djLdZrVawCDavid Saint-Jacques
    With a handshake Canada’s @Cmdr_Hadfield has command. ‘In all our son’s command’. Pardon my literary licence. #ISS http://pic.twitter.com/OsPg7QconJDoug McDowall
    @ Cmdr_Hadfield took command of the #ISS Wed, while 3 Exp34 crew members prepare for return to Earth on Thurs. http://1.usa.gov/15MSpGWJohnson Space Center
    “With great humility and pleasure, I accept command of the International Space Station,” Hadfield said.
    Statement by @Cmdr_Hadfield, first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station: http://ow.ly/iTdxU #CANcmdrCanadianSpaceAgency
    Tonight’s Finale: Be proud of our achievements, but don’t stop there. We’re heading towards the future, not the past. http://pic.twitter.com/fjLbz42WWBChris Hadfield
    Earlier in the day, the astronaut responded to some of his fans: 
    @Cmdr_Hadfield, congratulations on getting the keys to the #ISS! Drive safe!Adam Savage
    Congratulations @cmdr_hadfield, first commonwealth commander of a Space Station. I join HMQ https://twitter.com/BritishMonarchy/status/311854959765385216 in saluting himStephen Fry
    @stephenfry Thank you, Stephen! From a middling busy day on Space Station. Very much appreciated.Chris Hadfield
    Today is a landmark day as @Cmdr_Hadfield becomes the first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station. Bravo!David Johnston
    .@BritishMonarchy If anything can make one’s jaw drop in weightlessness, it is to be honoured by the Queen herself. I am amazed & humbled.Chris Hadfield
    .@GGDavidJohnston Thank you, Your Excellency. Since we first met at U Waterloo, you have been a role model to me of a life well-lived.Chris Hadfield
    … while keeping an eye on world events: 
    Rome, the Vatican, and the surrounding hills. I’m not certain you can make out the new pope from here, though. http://pic.twitter.com/VXP9bpV6HsChris Hadfield
    For the record, here’s how Hadfield spent his last day NOT in command of the ISS: 
    Morning on Space Station. Time to shave, shampoo and sponge bath.Water is short. A hot lingering shower is one thing I really miss!Chris Hadfield
    Such an endearing little lake. In the upper Amazon, Brazil. http://pic.twitter.com/DVccgVucgnChris Hadfield
    This central Asian mining town looks best from orbit, I suspect. The stark winter colours are almost pretty. http://pic.twitter.com/PkGFy9q2lAChris Hadfield
    Havana has a beautifully protected harbour, as well as some of the Caribbean’s most stunning architecture. http://pic.twitter.com/VQq8vvJzYsChris Hadfield
    Enormous eddy off the Italian coast. http://pic.twitter.com/9PqBw7PhddChris Hadfield
    Vancouver basking in the sunshine, from North Van to Tsawwassen, with the Fraser river discharging sediment. http://pic.twitter.com/GB3R2Tc2DUChris Hadfield
    Victoria, B.C. High-tech hub (not just tea and flowers – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a53RlQdgPaY), as clear as I’ve ever seen it. http://pic.twitter.com/MhPPOIUYpGChris Hadfield
    Tonight’s finale: Canadarm2, poised on the edge of night. Big day tomorrow! http://pic.twitter.com/ak1mVTKJ6vChris Hadfield
    Beautiful blood orange, freshly-delivered from California. It was delicious – thanks @SpaceX! http://pic.twitter.com/MH1miimiJnChris Hadfield
    Time for a little Twitter with Mia Farrow:
    @Cmdr_Hadfield Hi Commander! Thanks for your tweets & AWEsome photos.mia farrow
    @Cmdr_Hadfield Beyond excited to hear from you!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this communication from SPACE!! God speedmia farrow
    .@MiaFarrow Greetings, Mia, a delight to hear from you. You would LOVE seeing the World this way. Such a beautiful balance that is our home.Chris Hadfield
    Also … this: 
    One of my two apples delivered on Dragon. I stuck Velcro on the bottom so I could set it down between bites. http://pic.twitter.com/6fFFVdMB4hChris Hadfield

    tags:Chris Hadfield