He is a renowned physicist, astronaut, and the third Canadian to have ventured into space. Steven Glenwood MacLean was born in Ottawa, Ontario, on December 14, 1954. His list of achievements is impressive, making him a figure worth learning more about. Ottawa Ski will help you uncover the details of his journey.
Mentions of Ottawa: What is it Like to Live in Canada’s Capital?
Steven MacLean has spoken in interviews about the city where he grew up—Ottawa. His family lived on one of the last streets at the edge of the city, where their home bordered both urban and rural landscapes. He recalls that his parents were highly active in their relatively small community. Perhaps this is why he has always felt deeply connected to Ottawa.
His parents were originally from Nova Scotia, and he spent summers at his grandmother’s farm on the ocean’s shore. These experiences remain some of his fondest memories. Today, his mother still resides in Ottawa, and every visit to the city fills him with a comforting sense of home.
Childhood and Youth in Ottawa
The launches and landings of NASA missions fascinated and inspired young Steven MacLean. One of his early heroes was American astronaut John Young, who played a significant role in the Gemini and Apollo space programs in the 1960s and 1970s. At the time, Canada had no astronaut program of its own. Watching these developments at the age of seven or eight, Steven was convinced that only Americans could achieve such feats. He never imagined that one day, he too would accomplish something similar.
He was passionate about science from an early age, particularly inspired by the Apollo television program. He attended elementary and secondary school in Ottawa before moving to Toronto to study at York University. In 1977, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics, followed by a PhD in 1983.
During the 1970s, he worked in sports management and public relations at his university, competing at an international level as a member of Canada’s national gymnastics team (1976–1977). He later spent three years as a part-time professor at York University before beginning his doctoral research at Stanford University in California.
Steven MacLean often reminisces about York University, where he was deeply involved for ten years. As a laser physicist, he conducted research on electro-optics and its components. His contributions earned him honorary degrees and over 25 scientific and technical publications. He received numerous international awards in Quebec, including the Canadian Cross of Merit.
His wife has shared how much York University means to him. Whenever possible, he speaks about his time there, which played a defining role in shaping his career. His years at York were filled with friendships among professors, students, and gymnastics teammates—experiences that remain unforgettable.
How Did His Astronaut Career Begin?
Space captivates with its mystery and vastness, making it a source of endless fascination. So, how did Steven MacLean’s childhood dream of becoming an astronaut begin to materialize?
In 1983, while at Stanford, a colleague encouraged him to apply for Canada’s first astronaut recruitment program. This was the country’s first-ever astronaut selection campaign, and Steven was fortunate to be among the six Canadians chosen to form the nation’s inaugural astronaut corps.
A day in the life of astronaut MacLean is fascinating. In 2006, he and fellow astronaut Daniel Burbank installed a 16-tonne truss on the exterior of the International Space Station. At 5:05 a.m. Eastern Time, the crew of Atlantis began their second spacewalk, which lasted until the afternoon. They floated in their spacesuits outside the station after spending the night in an airlock, where the atmospheric pressure was reduced. Their wake-up song that morning was “Takin’ Care of Business” by the Canadian rock band Mission Control.
Steven MacLean’s family often watched his spacewalks from the Canadian Space Agency. In 2006, his wife and three children followed his mission from Montreal. Despite missing his family, he could not imagine a life without space exploration.
A Renowned Canadian Astronaut
Steven MacLean was one of Canada’s first astronauts.
- During his second space mission (2006), he became the first Canadian to operate the Canadarm2 robotic arm.
- He was the second Canadian (after Chris Hadfield) to conduct a spacewalk.
- Served as Director General of the Canadian Astronaut Program (1994–1996).
- President of the Canadian Space Agency (2008–2013).
Steven MacLean played a vital role in Canada’s space programs, securing his place in history as one of the nation’s most accomplished astronauts.
The Columbia Disaster of 2003
Being an astronaut also comes with risks. One of the most tragic events was the Columbia disaster, where seven crew members perished. The spacecraft disintegrated upon reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. During this time, Steven MacLean provided support to the affected families, including that of his late colleague. This tragedy led him to work on NASA safety initiatives designed to protect future astronauts, including:
- Presence of a technical supervisor (Orbiter Boom Sensor System);
- An extendable boom equipped with cameras and lasers;
- A Canadian-designed device attached to the Canadarm, enabling astronauts to inspect shuttles for damage even while in space.
What Came Next?
In September 2008, Steven MacLean was appointed President of the Canadian Space Agency, a role he held until 2013. He later transitioned to private industry, joining Quantum Valley Investments, a company co-founded by Mike Lazaridis. The firm funds groundbreaking advances in quantum physics.
MacLean is also a member of the scientific advisory board of the company and an associate professor at the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo.
Honours and the Love of Ottawa Residents
Steven MacLean has left an indelible mark on Canada’s history. A school in Gloucester, a suburb of Ottawa, is named after him—the Steve MacLean Public School. In 2006, he visited the school for its opening, inspiring students with his story. On that day, he became a real-life hero, demonstrating that childhood dreams can come true. He visited the school again in 2010 when the principal retired.
Personal Life
Steven MacLean is married to Nadine Wilgopolsky from Quebec. The couple has three children: Jean-Philippe, Catherine, and Michelle. He enjoys hiking, canoeing, skydiving, and gymnastics—activities that help him stay active and in shape.
His career has earned him numerous accolades, and he remains an influential figure in Canada. Even today, he continues to contribute to the country’s scientific and technological advancements.