Canadian astronauts share bear hug as they meet in space

LONGUEUIL, Que. (The Canadian Press) - A bear hug in space between two Canadian astronauts marked a history-making moment as Julie Payette floated into the International Space Station and was greeted by fellow Canadian Bob Thirsk.
It marked the first time two Canadian astronauts were in space together at the same time.
Payette is a member of the seven-member crew of the space shuttle Endeavour, which arrived at the space station Friday afternoon after five technical and weather-related delays. Thirsk was so excited about the Canadian meeting that he snapped pictures as the hatch linking the craft and the station was opened.
"It doesn't get better than that for Canada," said Steve MacLean, president of the Canadian Space Agency, after watching the historic moment through a link-up on a giant television screen at agency headquarters south of Montreal.
"Two Canadians, at the same time, being able to share the common value of looking at space, it's not a miracle, but it is amazing," he added.
MacLean noted that eight Canadians have now flown in space on 15 flights.
A video feed showed members of the space station crew ringing a ceremonial bell as the hatch opened, with camera flashes exploding as they hugged colleagues that drifted into view in a sort of interstellar family reunion. There are now also a record 13 space visitors on board the space station, with Payette being the only woman.
Payette arrived armed with gifts to mark the moment, including a variety of Canadian treats for her colleagues, such as maple cookies, maple butter and Alberta beef jerky.