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The Canadian Space Agency would like to congratulate Julie Payette on her appointment as the next Governor General of Canada.
Payette has served the Canadian Space Agency and her country exceptionally well, both on the ground and in space for over two decades. Throughout her career as an astronaut, she was a tireless ambassador for science and technology. Payette visited schools across the country, encouraging young Canadians to view science as a means to contribute to society and to our planet.
A veteran of two space flights, for which she logged over 611 hours in space, she is one if the few people to have seen our planet from above-an experience that will no doubt serve as inspiration in her new role.
Payette was the first Canadian to board the International Space Station. She also served as the CSA’s chief astronaut between 2000 and 2007, and represented the Astronaut Corps internationally in the United States, Europe and Russia.
As a lifelong defender of the arts, she will be in a unique position to communicate her passion for music and science to the next generation of Canadians.
Canadian Space Agency extends its best wishes for success and fulfillment to Payette and her family as they move to Rideau Hall this fall.
