Canadian Space Agency launches search for next generation of space explorers

Canada is recruiting candidates to fill two potential new spots in its space program – and the more sterotypically Canadian they are, the better, suggests current astronaut-in-training Jeremy Hansen. (Promotional photo: Canadian Space Agency’s official Facebook page)

OTTAWA – Calling all aspiring Canadian astronauts: here comes your chance to shine.

Canada is recruiting candidates to fill two potential new spots in its space program – and the more sterotypically Canadian they are, the better, suggests current astronaut-in-training Jeremy Hansen.

It goes without saying that would-be space cowboys and cowgirls are expected to be super smart, ultra-fit and undaunted by claustrophobic living conditions.

But good manners are also likely to be an asset for the longer assignments.

“If you trap people in a tin can for six months – or two years going to Mars – how they treat one another, respecting some of our fundamental Canadian values, it’s really important,” Hansen said Friday as a new $3-million recruitment campaign was launched.

Not that successful recruits are guaranteed a one-way ticket to the red planet.

In fact, there’s no guarantee that new recruits will even get a chance to slip the surly bonds of Earth’s atmosphere.

Indeed, said Hansen, the program offers the potential for so much more than just space flight.

“We’re not going to be asking candidates if they’re prepared to go to Mars,” he said. “But we’re recruiting explorers, and that’s exciting.”

Still, the federal government does have its sights set beyond the International Space Station (ISS), which is currently orbiting Earth at nearly eight kilometres per second, said Innovation and Science Minister Navdeep Bains.

“It’s not simply about the International Space Station, but about deep space exploration,” said Bains.

“And we’re working very closely with NASA and our other allies to really look at additional opportunities for our astronauts.”

Canada has been sending people into space since before the Canadian Space Agency was established in 1989.

Marc Garneau, now a Liberal member of Parliament, became the first Canadian in space when he took part in a NASA space shuttle mission in 1984.

Since then, 11 Canadians have flown aboard NASA shuttles and Russian Soyuz rockets in 15 missions.

Chris Hadfield gained international fame in 2013 not so much for being the station’s first Canadian commander, but for a must-follow Twitter feed and his now-famous recorded-in-space rendition of David Bowie’s classic, “Space Oddity.”

Applications for the new positions are being accepted on the Canadian Space Agency website until Aug. 15.

Candidates must have “an academic background in science or technology, excellent health, and a wide range of outstanding qualities and skills,” the agency said.

Those qualified for the first selection round will take part in a “rigorous selection process” lasting almost a year that involves several interviews, written exams and a range of physical and mental fitness tests.

David Saint-Jacques, who last month became the latest Canadian to enter the NASA space program, said it won’t be easy.

“They bring you to your knees,” Saint-Jacques told a news conference Friday at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa.

“Every test is an ultimate challenge of what you can give. And then once you’ve had enough, and you’re exhausted, then the test begins.”

Hansen said he always wanted to be an astronaut but never expected he’d be picked. But after hearing about the Canadian Space Agency’s last recruitment drive, he applied.

“I thought statistically, realistically there’s no way they’re going to pick me.”