Conversation from Space

A special event surrounding the downlink starts at 11:30 a.m. in the Humanities Theatre in Hagey Hall. The event will begin with a talk by Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, followed by the University of Waterloo’s Richard Hughson. Hughson, the Schlegel Research Chair in Vascular Aging and Brain Health, is working with Hadfield to examine how zero-gravity affects the circulatory system. The Waterloo study will help researchers understand what factors might be involved in the stiffening of arteries as we age here on Earth.

Hughson is also monitoring Hadfield’s blood pressure while on the five-month mission in an effort to answer questions about why some astronauts are prone to fainting once they return to Earth after extended space flight.

Hadfield will assume command of the orbiting research laboratory in March.

Follow the event by using the hashtags #AskHadfield or #uWaterloo, follow the event live tweet at @uWaterlooLIVE.