Saint-Hubert, April 27, 2001 – Today, Canada was given the opportunity to
speak with Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield during a live
downlink from the International Space Station. More than 90 students
gathered at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa for this
historic event, attended by the Honourable Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry
and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency, and Mac Evans,
President of the Canadian Space Agency.

Minister Tobin and students attending the event asked Chris Hadfield
questions on behalf of students from across the country. The live event
included questions from students in Iqaluit, Alberta, Manitoba,
Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and
Newfoundland. The downlink was broadcast simultaneously via the Internet, on
Industry Canada’s SchoolNet, to schools, libraries and community centres
across Canada.

“The success of CSA Astronaut Chris Hadfield’s mission is a source of pride
for all Canadians and a tribute to Canadian innovation and the expertise we
have developed in space science and robotics systems as a partner in the
International Space Station,” said Minister Tobin. He added that “the
high-tech medium of the downlink event and the simultaneous webcast
underscores Canada’s leadership in connecting Canadians¾using technology to
provide innovative and immediate access to vital information, ideas, and
opportunities to expand Canadian knowledge about space.”

The students from Akwesasne Mohawk School, École Terre-des-jeunes and
Pinecrest Public School and cadets from the Governor General Footguards Army
Cadets Corps Unit 2784 were welcomed by Paul Donahue, Director General,
Public Programs at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

About Mission STS-100
The Space Shuttle Endeavour launched flawlessly from the Kennedy Space
Center on April 19, 2001 at 2:41 p.m. EDT. The mission featured the delivery
and installation of one of Canada’s main contributions to the International
Space Station, Canadarm2. The deployment of Canadarm2 was the most intricate
space robotics operation ever conducted. In the process, Chris Hadfield
became the first Canadian astronaut to perform a spacewalk and float freely
in the vacuum of space.

About the CSA
Established in 1989 with its headquarters situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec,
the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space
Program. Through its Space Knowledge, Applications and Industry Development
business line, the CSA delivers services involving: Earth and the
Environment; Space Science; Human Presence in Space; Satellite
Communications; Generic Space Technologies; Space Qualification Services and
Awareness. The Canadian Space Agency is at the forefront of the development
and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and
humanity.

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For more information:
CSA Media Relations Office
Canadian Space Agency
Tel.: (450) 926-4345 or 4370
Fax: (514) 943-4352

Mission STS-100 Web Site: www.space.gc.ca/sts100-mission