Roberta Bondar: Dr. Bondar is a neurologist and a clinical and basic science researcher in the nervous system. She is one of the six Canadian astronauts selected in December 1983 and began astronaut training in February, 1984. She conducted research into blood flow in the brain during microgravity, lower body negative pressure and various pathological states. Dr. Bondar flew on Discovery during Mission STS-42, January 22-30, 1992 where she performed experiments in the Spacelab and on the middeck. She left the Canadian Space Agency effective September 4, 1992, to pursue her research.
You Could Be the Next Canadian Astronaut!
July 05, 2016
WRITTEN BY: Jenna Anderson
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is looking for two star-candidates to be part of the next generation of space explorers starting in August 2017. Astronauts are modern-day explorers who courageously travel beyond the Earth to help discover new scientific knowledge and you could be one of them! The recruitment campaign runs from now until August 15, 2016.
What does an astronaut do? Canada's active astronauts are based at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Their work involves supporting current space missions and preparing for a future mission by taking extensive training. They return to Canada periodically to encourage young Canadians to pursue their education in STEM fields.
Learn more about the job here.
Basic requirements to be an astronaut:
- Citizen or Resident of Canada
- Proficiency in French or English (preferably both)
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science; and/or a Doctorate in Medicine or Dentistry
- At least three years of relevant professional experience
- Meet stringent medical requirements and be in excellent health
The CSA is receiving applications until August 15, 2016. Learn more about the recruitment campaign and how to apply!
We hope that the new astronauts will be a reflection of the diversity of Canada, so make sure to share the Canadian Space Agency recruitment campaign with anyone you know who you think might be interested, especially women in STEM fields!
Canada's former women astronauts:
Julie Payette: Ms. Payette is a Computer Engineer and was selected by the Canadian Space Agency in June 1992 to become one of four astronauts. After her basic training in Canada, she worked as a technical advisor for the Mobile Servicing System (MSS), an advanced robotics system contributed by Canada to the International Space Station (ISS). In preparation for space missions, Ms. Payette obtained her commercial pilot license, studied Russian and logged 120 hours as a research operator on board reduced gravity aircraft. A veteran of two space flights, STS-96 (1999) and STS-127 (2009), she has logged over 611 hours in space. In July 2013, Ms. Payette retired from the CSA to become Chief Operating Officer of the Montreal Science Centre as well as Vice President of the Canada Lands Company.