Julie Payette, CSA Astronaut

How did you become one of 5,330 astronaut candidates of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA)?

Answer: During an astronaut recruitment campaign, the CSA publishes a call for applications in daily newspapers across the country with instructions on how to apply. Anybody can apply, but you stand a better chance of being chosen if you achieved good grades in science and have tried different things like extra curricular activities that help diversify your knowledge and experience as much as possible.

What does it feel like to be in space for the first time?

Answer: You have butterflies in your stomach before you take off, but you feel good because you've been training for this moment and because it's your job. You're also constantly amazed by everything you can see from up there.

What did you think when you saw Earth from space?

Answer: I thought that Earth was magnificent. I'd already seen very good pictures of our planet, but to see it for myself was something else.

What do astronauts do other than go into space?

Answer: An astronaut's job is much more than just going into space. For example, I'm CAPCOM at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. That means that I am the voice link between the astronauts aboard the International Space Station and the mission controllers on the ground. Astronauts are also constantly undergoing physical and mental training.

What did you study to become an astronaut?

Answer: I earned a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering at McGill University in Montréal and a master's degree in Applied Science/Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto.

What was your average in high school? (Can a student with an 80% average become an astronaut?)

Answer: I don't remember at all. I wasn't top of my class, but I did well. What I do remember is that I was very busy and that I did a lot of extracurricular activities. In fact, most of the opportunities I've had in life were not solely because of my grades, but rather a combination of factors including self-confidence, hard work and a positive attitude. If a student does well, develops and uses his or her abilities in various activities (whatever they may be), and isn't afraid of hard work, he or she will be able to do the job he or she dreams of doing. You have to set goals, keep them in mind and go for it.