Canadian astronaut accepts degree... from space

Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk has received an honour that’s out of this world.

Connected by video link as he floated 400 kilometres above the Earth aboard the International Space Station, Thirsk accepted an honorary doctorate of laws degree from the University of Calgary.

He even donned a crimson and yellow convocation cape, but had to take it off as it repeatedly floated up in front of his face.

The astronaut answered questions from children after the degree presentation, pulling out props such as water bottles and garbage cans to explain his day-to-day life.

Thirsk, who is the first Canadian to spend six months in space, earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Calgary in 1976.

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University president Harvey Weingarten says it’s a privilege to honour Thirsk while he’s at the pinnacle of his career and able to inspire so many students.

- The Canadian Press