1983 - 2017, Canadian Astronaut recruitment campaigns

In 1974, NASA sought out Canadian expertise for the development of a robotic arm (Canadarm), which started a close collaboration between Canada and the United States in human space exploration.

More Information: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronauts/canadian/history-of-the-canadian-astronaut-corps.asp

After, NASA invited a Canadian astronaut to participate in a space mission - Marc Garneau, which led to the creation of the first team of Canadian astronauts in 1983. Canada has recruited 14 astronauts through four campaigns, and 9 of those exceptional people have participated in 17 space missions.

"The Canadian astronauts selected in 1983. Back row, from left to right: Ken Money, Marc Garneau, Steve MacLean and Bjarni Tryggvason. Front row: Robert Thirsk and Roberta Bondar. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)"

First astronaut recruitment campaign

Applicants - 4,000 Canadians

Select astronauts based on their exceptional academic and career backgrounds, professional experience, health, and communication skills:
Roberta Bondar
Marc Garneau
Steve MacLean
Ken Money
Robert Thirsk
Bjarni Tryggvason

"The four Canadian recruits in 1992. Back row, from left to right: Chris Hadfield, Dave Williams. Front row: Michael McKay, Julie Payette. (Credit: NASA"

Second astronaut recruitment campaign

In 1992, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) recruited four more individuals for astronaut training.

Applicants - Over 5,000 Canadians

Selected astronauts, four candidates:
Chris Hadfield
Mike McKay
Julie Payette
Dave Williams

2008, March, Canadian Space Agency Astronaut David Saint-Jacques

"Official photo of CSA Astronaut Jeremy Hansen. (Credit: CSA)"

2008, March, Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Jeremy Hansen

"Official photo of CSA Astronaut David Saint-Jacques. (Credit: CSA)"

Third astronaut recruitment campaign

In March 2008, after some of Canada's seasoned astronauts had retired, CSA launched a new recruitment campaign.

Applicants: 5,000 Canadians

Selected astronauts, two candidates were chosen in May 2009:
Jeremy Hansen
David Saint-Jacques

Current Status:

"They are the CSA's two active astronauts and are based at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Jeremy works at Mission Control Center as capcom. Eventually, he will be assigned to a space mission.

David is preparing for his first six-month mission aboard the International Space Station" (Canadian Space Agency, n.d.).

2017, August, Canadian Space Agency Astronauts Joshua Kutryk and Jennifer Sidey

"The two Canadian recruits in 2017. Left: Joshua Kutryk. Right: Jennifer Sidey. (Credit: CSA)"

Fourth astronaut recruitment campaign

In June 2016, the CSA announced its fourth astronaut recruitment campaign.

Applicants - 3,772 Canadians

Selected astronauts, two candidates:
Joshua Kutryk
Jennifer Sidey

Current Status:
"In August 2017, the two recruits will report to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, to begin their basic training, which will last approximately two years (Canadian Space Agency, n.d.).

"Back row, from left to right: Robert Thirsk, Marc Garneau, Dave Williams and Julie Payette. Front row, from left to right: Chris Hadfield, Bjarni Tryggvason and Steve MacLean. (Credit: CSA)"

1983 - 2005, Life After Space

Retired astronauts don't stop working! They pursue other professional activities related to their diverse expertise.

Other professional activities:
Academia,
Public speakers,
Medical field,
Engineering,
Science contributor!