May 13, 2013 by David K. Sutton

VIDEO: Ground Control To Major Tom: Canadian Astronaut Inspires A Generation

The most recent video from Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield is an excellent bookend to his time as commander of Expedition 35. In a fitting tribute to an expedition that inspired the explorers of tomorrow, Hadfield performs David Bowie’s 1969 classic “Space Oddity” from the International Space Station.

The video has gone viral, but I think it’s the potential long-lasting effects of an outstanding series of videos from the International Space Station that are the big story here. Videos like Hadfield wringing water from a towel or the excellent tour given by Expedition 33 commander Suni Williams are fascinating, and the impact on young minds cannot be overstated.