Robert Thirsk

Robert Thirsk
Name	Robert Thirsk
Caption	Official portrait of Robert Thirsk
Type	Canadian Space Agency astronaut
Nationality	Canadian
Status	Retired
Birth name	Robert Brent Thirsk
Birth date	17 August 1953
Birth place	New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Occupation	Engineer, Physician
Alma mater	University of Calgary, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, McGill University
Selection	1983 CSA Group
Time	204d 18h 29m
Mission	STS-78, Expedition 20, Expedition 21
Insignia	50px 50px 50px

Robert Thirsk. A pioneering Canadian Space Agency astronaut, engineer, and physician, he holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a Canadian. His career spans multiple disciplines, having flown on both the Space Shuttle and served as a long-duration crew member aboard the International Space Station. Thirsk's contributions extend beyond his flight time into significant leadership roles within Canada's space and health research sectors.

Early life and education

Born in New Westminster, British Columbia, his academic journey was marked by excellence across engineering and medicine. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary before completing a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Thirsk then pursued a Doctor of Medicine at McGill University and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University of Toronto's affiliated hospitals. This unique combination of advanced degrees made him an ideal candidate for the rigorous demands of spaceflight and life sciences research.

Career at the Canadian Space Agency

Selected in the 1983 astronaut group by the National Research Council, he was among the original six Canadian astronauts. His early work involved supporting the development of the Canadarm and participating in numerous parabolic flight campaigns on the KC-135 to study microgravity effects. Thirsk served as a backup for several historic missions, including the STS-71 mission that marked the first docking of the Space Shuttle with the Mir space station. He also held key positions at NASA's Johnson Space Center, contributing to the design of crew habitats for future exploration missions.

Spaceflights and missions

His first spaceflight was as a Payload Specialist on the STS-78 Life and Microgravity Spacelab mission aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. This 1996 flight was dedicated to extensive studies in human physiology and materials science. In 2009, Thirsk launched aboard a Soyuz TMA-15 spacecraft to serve as a Flight Engineer for Expedition 20 and Expedition 21 on the International Space Station. During this nearly six-month mission, he participated in over a hundred scientific experiments, performed maintenance using the Canadarm2, and served as the Station Commander during the final weeks of his increment, a first for a Canadian.

Post-NASA career and leadership

Following his retirement from active astronaut duty, Thirsk assumed prominent leadership roles. He served as the Vice-President of Public, Government and Institute Affairs at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, leveraging his experience in space medicine. He later returned to the Canadian Space Agency as a senior executive, helping to shape the nation's strategy for human spaceflight and exploration. Thirsk has also been a board member for organizations like the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and an advocate for STEM education through his involvement with institutions like the Ontario Science Centre.

Awards and honors

His distinguished service has been recognized with numerous national honors. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the NASA Space Flight Medal. Thirsk has been awarded the Vanier Award from the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. He holds honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Calgary and the Royal Military College of Canada, and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.

Personal life

Married to Brenda Biasatti, he is a father of three. An avid athlete, he has participated in multiple marathons and enjoys cycling and hiking. Thirsk remains a sought-after public speaker, often discussing the future of space exploration, the importance of international cooperation exemplified by the International Space Station program, and the benefits of space-derived technology for life on Earth.

Category:Canadian astronauts Category:International Space Station personnel Category:Officers of the Order of Canada