Longueuil, Quebec, September 8, 2011 – The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is pleased to announce that its two new astronauts, Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques, have successfully completed their two-year basic training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
“Through diligence and hard work, Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques have earned the respect of their astronaut colleagues,” said the President of the CSA, Steve MacLean. “Our newest astronauts have come through with flying colours and are proud members of Canada’s Astronaut Corps.”
Now that basic training is complete, Hansen and Saint-Jacques have been assigned duties that will continue to broaden and perfect their skills, preparing them for future challenges. Both will work at the Johnson Space Centre. Jeremy Hansen will be assigned to the International Space Station Operations Branch and will assume the role of Crew Support Astronaut for Expedition 33/34, which includes Chris Hadfield’s mission. David Saint-Jacques has been assigned for duties within the Robotics Branch, which will include training and operations related to the European Robotic Arm. Both men are now eligible for selection for long-duration missions on the International Space Station.
Recruited by the Canadian Space Agency in May of 2009 through a national astronaut recruitment campaign, Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques have undertaken an intensive and rigorous training program which included:
* Attaining a thorough understanding of spacecraft and ISS systems, engineering, and science;
* acquiring techniques necessary to master operation of the ISS systems, including spacewalks (extravehicular activities), and manoeuvring the robotic arm;
* obtaining and enhancing skills and behaviors required of astronauts, including piloting an aircraft and taking part in survival training;
* improving their proficiency in the Russian language.
Their biographies are available on the CSA website:
* Jeremy Hansen
* David Saint-Jacques
Videos and pictures are available at the following addresses:
Follow them on Twitter! @Astro_Jeremy and @Astro_DavidS
