From the #1 bestselling author and astronaut Chris Hadfield, an edge-of-your-seat thriller set about China's secret role in the 1970s Space Race between the US and the USSR.
Houston, 1975. A new Apollo mission launches into orbit, on course to dock with a Russian Soyuz craft: three NASA astronauts and three cosmonauts, joining to celebrate a new dawn of Soviet-American cooperation. But as NASA Flight Controller Kaz Zemeckis listens in from Earth, a deadly accident changes everything.
Meanwhile, from a remote location in East Asia, the first Chinese spacecraft secretly launches. On board is China’s first astronaut, Fang Guojun, whose mission puts him on a collision course with the Apollo crew. As Kaz races against an enemy on the ground and for answers beyond the sky, the safety of the remaining crew hangs in the balance…
Full of intrigue and real history—including the fascinating story of Professor Tsien Hsue-shen, the “Father of Chinese Rocketry” and founder of China’s space program—Final Orbit accelerates to a thrilling conclusion that captures the beauty and terror of survival 270 miles above Earth, as could only be written by one of the most experienced astronauts alive.
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*One-time use offer. Valid April 1, 2025—April 3, 2027 at Canadian stores and at indigo.ca on pre-tax purchase price of eligible in-stock product(s), after discounts and points redemptions, using a valid plum rewards membership. Bonus points are awarded upon shipment. Not valid on previous purchases. See indigo.ca/plum for program details.
"Phenomenally combines thriller and historical fiction. . . . Action-filled, believable drama that flows. Readers of sci-fi thrillers by Isaac Asimov, Andy Weir and James Michener will enjoy the realism of Hadfield’s latest." —Library Journal (starred review)
"[A] terrific end to Hadfield’s trilogy of space thrillers. . . . As always, with Hadfield, there’s much technical talk as well as insider peeks at what life as an astronaut and time in space are really like. Hadfield explains in simple terms just how space travel works and he doesn’t let the technical jargon overpower the story." —The Globe and Mail
"Another high-flying adventure. . . . Hadfield is a terrific storyteller, and his blending of the real and the made-up is seamless. Another terrific thriller from a writer who is uniquely qualified to write it." —Booklist
"Hadfield delivers a pulse-pounding adventure about a 1975 U.S.-Soviet space mission that devolves into a battle hundreds of miles above Earth. . . . The crackling finale is well worth the wait." —Publishers Weekly
"Hadfield has developed a signature style that fluidly blends real historical personages and events with explosive action. . . . Hadfield has established himself as a reliable brand in grounded, retro-flavoured SF." —Toronto Star
"Engrossing. . . . Deftly chronicles how China's clandestine launch of its first astronaut in east Asia leads to an international espionage incident and an accident that puts the entire joint mission in jeopardy." —Space.com
"Possibly the most realistic depiction of a 'battle' between two spacecraft ever written. As in his previous books, Hadfield expertly weaves fact, fiction and his own experiences in orbit to produce a novel that is both technical and entertaining. . . . A master of the genre." —New Scientist
"Final Orbit was such a fun read! The story moves quickly, with just the right mix of action and suspense to keep me flipping pages late into the night. Even if you’re not a huge space buff, the writing makes it easy to get swept up in the drama. The signed edition is a nice bonus, it feels special to have a copy that’s a little more personal. Indigo shipped it fast and the book arrived in perfect condition, so no worries there. If you’re looking for a thriller that’s exciting but still easy to dive into, this one’s a great pick."
— Tony (5/5)
Another great story from Chris Hadfield!
"This novel continues the ""Kaz"" series set during the Cold War on an alternate Earth. I grew up during the Cold War so a lot of the stuff in this novel very much resonates for me. I especially enjoyed the passages that feature real-life historical characters like Nixon and Kissinger in fictional situations. The novel is sheer fun and during these scary times I really need something like that. P. S. : I have a friend who doesn't know this yet, but he's getting this book for Christmas! P. P. S. : Thanks to everyone over at Indigo for all you do."
— Offog (5/5)
Final Orbit Gift
"Christmas gift for my spouse- It should be a good read for him. I cannot properly review this book since it will be gifted to him"
— Book G. (5/5)
Christmas downtime plans
"Have not had time to read it yet. Too busy with Christmas prep. I'm saving this book for the holidays. Really looking forward to reading the final installment of Col. Chris Hadfield's novel series!"
— L. S. (5/5)
Final Orbit
"Amazing series and great end to the trilogy! Chris Hadfield really gets you into the technical aspects of important things and makes you want to know more about them without making it confusing or boring somehow, rather exciting. Looking forward to next trilogy!"
— Zapp B. (5/5)
Pre-publication order
"When I heard that Chris Hadfield had finished his latest book, I ordered a copy form Indigo. When I went to pick it up, the manager switched the book set aside for my order and gave me an autographed copy. What great and unexpected service. Thank you."
— John D. (5/5)
Auto buy
"I love this author so anything they write, I buy! Never disappointed"
— Cass (5/5)
Canadian
"So happy to buy Canadian and huge bonus that it was signed!"
— ML C. (5/5)
Fina Orbit
"One of those books that you can't put down until you've read it all"
— Roland (5/5)
Final Orbit
"Great Christmas gift for the hubby to add to his collection"
— Vicki (5/5)
Q&A
Published date: Oct 06, 2026
Language: English
No. of Pages: 352
Publisher: Random House Of Canada
ISBN: 9781039011359
Dimensions:
5.188" W x
0.875" L x
8.0" H
CHRIS HADFIELD is one of the most experienced and accomplished astronauts in the world. A veteran of three space flights, Hadfield crewed the US Space Shuttle twice, piloted the Russian Soyuz, helped build space station Mir, conducted two space walks and served as Commander of the International Space Station. He was also NASA’s Director of Operations in Russia. Hadfield’s debut novel, The Apollo Murders, became an instant #1 bestseller in Canada, as did his second, The Defector. His first work of nonfiction, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, his photo book, You Are Here, and his children’s book, The Darkest Dark, also debuted at #1, remaining on the lists for months, and went on to become international bestsellers. Hadfield is the co-creator and host of the BBC series Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes? and helped create and host, along with actor Will Smith, the National Geographic series One Strange Rock. His zero-gravity version of David Bowie's “Space Oddity” has received more than 50 million views, and his TED talk on fear, over 10 million. Hadfield advises SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, and other space companies, chairs the board of the Open Lunar Foundation, leads the CDL-Space international tech incubator, and teaches a MasterClass on space operations.
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