Russian Soyuz Vehicle set to launch with Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield aboard

Longueuil, Quebec, December 13, 2012 – Media representatives are invited to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for the launch of a Russian Soyuz vehicle with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield aboard. The launch is set for December 19, 2012 at 7:12 a.m. EST.

Chris Hadfield will then embark on a five-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) where he will carry out scientific experiments, operate Canadarm2 and perform robotics tasks. As of March 2013, he will oversee operations as the first Canadian Commander of the ISS.

Journalists who cannot be on-site at CSA will be able to watch the event live on the CSA website at www.asc-csa.gc.ca


Time	What	Who	Where
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
6:45 a.m.	Presentations and live commentaries Launch of the Russian Soyuz vehicle for Expedition 34/35 (on NASA TV)	His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada Steve MacLean, CSA President David Saint-Jacques, CSA Astronaut Robert Thirsk, Former CSA Astronaut	Canadian Space Agency 6767 Route de l'Aéroport Saint-Hubert, Quebec J3Y 8Y9

To schedule interviews with CSA spokespersons, please contact CSA Media Relations at 450-926-4370.

For more details on the mission, visit the CSA's website at www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/missions/expedition34-35/default.asp

Videos, animations and pictures are available at this address:
ftp://ftp.asc-csa.gc.ca/users/expedition34-35/pub/B-ROLL/

- 30 -

For more information:

Canadian Space Agency
Media Relations Office
Telephone: 450-926-4370
E-mail: media@asc-csa.gc.ca
Website: www.asc-csa.gc.ca