22 Jul 2016

For the first time since 2009, Canada is recruiting two new astronauts! Since the beginning of this latest recruitment campaign, more than 3,300 Canadians have opened applications to become the country's next astronaut. The search is not over, though! If you or someone you know is interested in this rare and unique opportunity, there is still time to apply! Applications close August 15, 2016.
Here is an overview of opened applications from June 17 to July 6, 2016.

Astronaut hopefuls from coast to coast
Less than three weeks after the beginning of the recruitment campaign, a total of 3,372 applications have been opened, and every province and territory is represented! Ontario is the province with the most applications, followed by Quebec and Alberta. Toronto, the country's most populous city, is at the top of the list of cities with 417 applications.
It is interesting to note that out of the 12 Canadian astronauts who were recruited in Canada's three previous recruitment campaigns, half of them are originally from Ontario. The others are from Quebec, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Former astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason was born in Iceland before moving to Canada and growing up in Nova Scotia and British Columbia.

As of yet, there hasn't been an astronaut born in Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island or Yukon. Will this be the year?

Seeking female applicants!
Although women make up a little more than half of Canada's population, more than two thirds of applications have been opened by men.
In the history of the Canadian Astronaut Corps, two great women have represented Canada in space:Dr. Roberta Bondar and Dr. Julie Payette. Both of them are a great inspiration for girls, women and people across Canada and around the world. Will we see another woman pursue their legacy?

Will you be the next Canadian astronaut?
In the words of astronaut David Saint-Jacques: if you want to live a great adventure, discover and learn new things almost every day and join an amazing team of dedicated people from around the world, apply now! We look forward to seeing what you've got!