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Canadians Should Be More Proud of Achievements in Space: Astronauts

Posted on: Saturday, 1 July 2006, 21:00 CDT

By JONATHAN MONTPETIT

MONTREAL (CP) - With Canada Day celebrations in full swing across the country, Canadian innovation is once again set take centre stage as the space shuttle Discovery prepares to return to orbit.

But Canadians are not always as proud as they should be about the country's role in space exploration, say two of the nation's most distinguished astronauts.

Though Canada has been involved with NASA's space program for close to four decades, many are still inclined toward understatement when it comes to Canadian achievements in space, says Julie Payette, chief astronaut for the Canadian Space Agency

"Sometimes we're not proud enough," Payette told The Canadian Press from Florida on Saturday, minutes before NASA decided to push back Discovery's launch because of poor weather.

"We're a big player. We have very competent people and we are partners. And to me, that is what Canada is all about."

NASA's chief of space stations, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, agrees.

"Most people are just living their lives and paying their taxes and watching Canadian Idol," he said from the Canadian Space Agency's headquarters in Longueuil, just south of Montreal.

But according Hadfield, it's important for Canadians to realize how integral the country's know-how has become to space travel.

"You can't launch Discovery without Canadian technology," he said, referring to Canadarm 2, an improved version of the robotic arm that can now scan the shuttle for damage following takeoff, a necessity following the 2003 Columbia disaster.

Hadfield said most of the major robotic decisions involving Discovery will be handled by Canadians working in NASA's mission control rooms in Houston.

And for the first time ever, there will be a subsidiary control room in CSA headquarters.

"For the first time during a shuttle mission we will be bringing the (Canada)arm to life... from here, from Montreal," said Hadfield.

Though astronauts aboard the shuttle will still operate the robotic arm for intricate operations, such as a spacewalk, a Montreal-based remote operator will steer the arm during basic tasks.

As she did on Discovery's last mission, Payette will again serve as a capsule communicator, or CapCom, Houston's main voice link with the astronauts in the shuttle.

"I have the best seat in the house for this flight," she admitted. But that doesn't mean the astronaut wants to stay grounded for the rest of her career.

NASA will soon start assigning astronauts for future missions and Payette said her name "is up for grabs."

In the meantime, there will be no shortage of Canucks in orbit. Steve MacLean and Dave Williams are both slated to make spacewalks during upcoming shuttle flights to the International Space Station.

Payette said for the moment the Canadian space program will focus on contributing to the space station, but its role in the long-term future of space exploration is open to dreaming.

"We certainly would like see where we could contribute to put humans back on the Moon and maybe eventually on Mars."

As for Hadfield, he maintained he's not worried if people don't know the latest developments from the CSA.

"I think what is important is that they have a quality of life that is so elevated compared to the rest of the world... and that we contribute through our inventions and our opening up of opportunities for Canadians, and that people have that as part of the fabric of their normal lives."

Source: Canadian Press

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