OTTAWA - Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency, issued the following statement on the successful landing of Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk in Kazakhstan after an exceptional 189-day mission in space:

"I am delighted to salute Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Robert Thirsk, who returned to Earth after a six-month stay at the International Space Station.

"Not only has Dr. Thirsk successfully completed his mission, but he has also marked a significant milestone in Canadian space history. Over the length of his career, he has spent a total of 206 days in space, which surpasses the total number of days spent in space by all other Canadian astronauts combined.

"Modern Canadian explorers like Robert Thirsk are critical to the evolution of our country. They push the boundaries of our knowledge and stretch the limits of what is possible for our nation, for our youth and for our future."