Astronaut candidate's profile
The candidates participating in the astronaut selection process all have unique journeys and outstanding qualities and skills. You can read their remarkable profiles here.
Haltigin, Tim
Where were you born?
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Where do you currently live?
Saint-Constant, Quebec, Canada
Education
- Bachelor's, environmental geography – Concordia University
- Master's, fluvial geomorphology – McGill University
- Ph.D., periglacial geomorphology & comparative planetology – McGill University
Photo of the astronaut candidate during the aptitude tests. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)
What is your current job?
Senior Mission Scientist for Planetary Exploration, Canadian Space Agency - I get to work helping Canada find new and different ways to understand the evolution of objects in the solar system. Right now my main responsibility is leading the Canadian operations for OSIRIS-REx, a mission that will return a sample from an asteroid back to Earth in 2023. In addition, I get to plan Canadian contributions to future missions, and to design and run student exercises that help train the next generation of Canadian planetary scientists and engineers.
Why do you want to become an astronaut?
Becoming an astronaut represents two of the values I hold most dear: the constant pursuit of knowledge and using that knowledge to inspire those around you. Essentially, the job description is "to learn how to do awesome things and then share it with people afterwards."
I have always loved taking on new and exciting challenges, whether in science, sports, or music. Not only have I benefitted greatly from all of the experience I've gained, but I've particularly appreciated the opportunities I've had to share my work and hopefully help out a few people along the way.