Posted on June 1: Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette shares her experiences

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/payetteopt.jpg” caption=”Julie Payette”]Curious about what it's like to work and live in space? Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette will share her first-hand knowledge at a special talk Thursday, June 3, 2004 from 3 to 4 p.m. at McMaster University.

Her talk, titled “Working and Living in Space  A Privilege, A Challenge, an Extraordinary Adventure” will take place in the John Hodgins Engineering Building, Room 376.

The lecture is free, but seating is limited. Reply by June 1 at 905-525-9140 ext. 27926 or engfac@mcmaster.ca.

Payette was selected by the Canadian Space Agency as one of four astronauts amongst a field of thousands of applicants in June 1992. After undergoing basic training in Canada, she worked as technical advisor for MSS (Mobile Servicing System), an advanced robotics system and Canada's contribution to the International Space Station (ISS).

From May 27 to June 6, 1999, Payette flew on Space Shuttle Discovery, as part of the crew of STS-96. During the mission, the crew performed the first manual docking of the shuttle to the ISS and delivered four tons of logistics and supplies to the station. On Discovery, Payette served as a mission specialist, held responsibility for the station systems, and operated the Canadarm robotic arm. The STS-96 mission was accomplished in 153 orbits of the Earth, traveling four million miles in nine days, 19 hours and 13 minutes. Payette became the first Canadian to participate in an ISS assembly mission and to board the space station.

Payette will receive an honorary doctorate from McMaster University at the Faculty of Engineering Convocation, Friday, June 4, 2004 at 9:30 a.m. at Hamilton Place.