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.
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
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
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.).
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.).
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!