Julie Payette, 1999, Canadian Space Agency photograph

Born in Montreal in 1963, Julie Payette graduated in engineering from McGill University and then went on to complete her education in applied science at the University of Toronto.

Ms. Payette was selected for the Canadian astronaut program in 1992 as a payload specialist. Her knowledge of languages (she is fluent in three and can converse in two others) and her knowledge of computer-human interfaces resulted in her selection as one of seven astronauts on the space shuttle Atlantis, during it's May 1999 mission to continue assembling the international space station.

The Canadian astronaut program has taught Canadians to look beyond the world we live in, into the infinity of space and its endless possibilities.

See also the Canadian Space Agency

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