Canadian Robert Thirsk returns from International Space Station

Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk is returning to Canada Tuesday after a six-month mission at the International Space Station.

Canadian Space Agency's president Steve MacLean will be with Thirsk at an event held at the CSA headquarters in Longueuil, Quebec. Thirsk is the first Canadian to stay on board the Russian Soyuz spacecraft launched on May 27, 2009. He also holds the Canadian record for longest spaceflight. During his time at the space station he logged over 125 million kilometers. During his time at the space station Thirsk conducted 236 hours of scientific research. Marketwire reports:

"I am proud and privileged to be part of this historic moment when a prominent figure of the Canadian Space Program returns home after such a remarkable achievement. With modern explorers like Thirsk, we are proving to the world that Canada has a place amongst the leaders in human space exploration, science and technology," said Steve MacLean. "Canadians and our Canadian space industry will without a doubt, benefit from this unique and record-breaking experience."

Thirsk has been with CSA since 1983. He was in the family medicine residency program at Montreal's Queen Elizabeth Hospital prior to that.