Astronaut Chris Hadfield Launches Space Thriller ’Final Orbit‘
New York, NY – Astronaut Chris Hadfield, renowned for his pioneering work in space and captivating musical performances from orbit, is entering a new arena: crime fiction. His debut novel,”Final Orbit,” a Cold War-era space thriller,arrives October 7,blending Hadfield’s firsthand experience with a gripping murder mystery set aboard an international space station.
The novel centers on Kaz Zemeckis, a former pilot grounded by a medical condition who finds unexpected intrigue while working as a flight controller. Hadfield, a veteran of three spaceflights and former commander of the International Space Station, says Zemeckis embodies the spirit of many of his colleagues - resilient individuals navigating complex challenges.”To me, Kaz is the personification of so many of my fighter pilot, test pilot, astronaut friends,” Hadfield explained. “But simultaneously occurring he got punted to the sidelines by an uncontrollable medical thing, but now the life that he’s leading is, if anything, more captivating and it gives me a lot of latitude for were I can take the plot next. It’s also occurred to me that I could write a pretty interesting prequel on his character as well.”
“Final Orbit” taps into a renewed public fascination with space exploration and the geopolitical tensions that continue to shape it. the story unfolds against a backdrop of international cooperation and suspicion, mirroring the realities of space programs past and present. Hadfield’s unique viewpoint-having lived and worked in the confined environment of a space station-infuses the narrative with authenticity and suspense. The book promises a compelling blend of technical detail and thrilling plot twists,offering readers a glimpse into a world few have experienced.
The novel is available for purchase beginning october 7 at bookstores and online retailers. (Image credit: NASA)
