Speaker Night May 2026 – Dr. Robert Thirsk

Due to capacity limitations the event has been moved to a larger room:

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in the Communications, Culture and Technology Building

Talk Synopsis

Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience!

Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk takes you inside his unforgettable six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. From the adrenaline-filled launch aboard a Soyuz rocket to his time in orbit—including his experience aboard a space shuttle—and the thrilling, fast-paced return to Earth, Bob shares vivid, firsthand stories that bring space travel to life.

Go beyond the headlines as he reveals what it’s really like to live and work in orbit—how astronauts eat, sleep, and adapt to microgravity, and the fascinating mix of science, teamwork, and daily routines that define life on the Space Station.

Whether you’re curious about space, science, or human resilience, this is a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone who has truly lived among the stars.

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Bio:  Robert “Bob” Brent Thirsk, OC OBC (born August 17, 1953) is a Canadian retired engineer and physician, and a former Canadian Space Agency astronaut. He holds the Canadian record for the most time spent in space (204 days, 18 hours and 29 minutes). He became an officer of the Order of Canada (OC) in 2013 and was named to the Order of British Columbia (OBC) in 2012. (Wikipedia)