Canada In Space
Canada has a rich history in space exploration. From 1839 when Sir Edward Sabine established the first magnetic observatory at the University of Toronto to study the northern lights; to producing the landing gear used on the Eagle for the first landing on the moon in 1969; to the development of the Canadarm which was used on the Space Shuttle orbiters to deploy, manoeuvre and capture payloads; and, in looking forward to a Canadian rover landing on the moon within the next five years.
Julie Payette
Julie Payette was born in 1963 in Montreal Quebec.
She was fascinated by space from an early age and her parents encouraged her ambition, curiosity and determination. In 1992 she was selected as one of four astronauts by the Canadian Space Agency and received a vigorous basic training in Canada. In preparation for space travel, Payette studied Russian and underwent more than 120 flight hours in reduced gravity on various parabolic aircrafts.
She became the first Canadian to board the ISS and to take part in an important assembly mission for the station. Her responsibilities on the mission included operating the Canadarm robotic arm, testing its Space Vision System and supervising two space walks.
In 2017, Payette was appointed Canada’s 29th Governor General, but in 2020 there were allegations of verbal abuse to her staff at Rideau Hall. After an investigation was completed, she tendered her resignation later the same day.