Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield will take over as commander of the International Space Station at 5:10 p.m. EDT on Wednesday March 13.
Hadfield's commencement in the role will be marked by the ringing of a ceremonial bell, signifying a transition in command. He is the first Canadian to take the role and only the second other than an American or Russian to accept the job. He takes over for Kevin Ford, the 34th commander of the station.
"Good morning, Earth!" Hadfield posted on Twitter. "A Wednesday in space, time for 16 sunrises, a day of research work, and tonight Kevin hands me the spaceship's keys."
Hadfield has been at the station since Dec. 21, 2012. Aside from conducting experiments and performing other duties as part of the crew, he has also assembled a massive Twitter following of over 500,000 users by posting images of Earth taken from the International Space Station.
A number of people congratulated Hadfield on his promotion, including Queen Elizabeth II.
"I am pleased to transmit my personal best wishes, and those of all Canadians, to Col. Christopher Hadfield as he takes command of the International Space Station on Wednesday," the queen said in a statement on her website. "Our thoughts and best wishes are with him and the entire crew, as are our prayers for an eventual safe return to family, friends and fellow Canadians."
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper also posted a tweet:
"On behalf of all Canadians, congratulations to @Cmdr_Hadfield on taking control of the #ISS."
Canada is the smallest among the five agencies that take part in the space station program. Back at NASA's Johnson Space Center, the Canadian pennant over the entry gate will be moved into first position.
Hadfield's induction ceremony will be viewable through a live stream. Both Hadfield and Kevin Ford will make speeches at the ceremony.
