First Canadian in Space

Did you know Canada.. it was Marc Garneau who was the first Canadian in space! He took part in three flights aboard NASA Space shuttles. He was also the president of the Canadian Space Agency from 2001-2006, and in 2003 was installed as the ninth Chancellor of Carleton University in Ottawa.

He was Canada's first astronaut and he became the first Canadian in space in October 1984. In 1984 he was seconded to the new Canadian Astronaut Program (CAP), one of seven chosen from over 4,000 applicants. He flew on the shuttle Challenger, STS-41-G from October 5 to 13, 1984 as payload specialist.

In 1992-93 he underwent further training to become a mission specialist. He worked as CAPCOM for a number of shuttle flights and was on two further flights himself - STS-77 (May 19 to 29, 1996) and STS-97 (to the ISS, November 30 to December 11, 2000). He has logged almost 678 hours in space and is now retired as an astronaut.

Garneau was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1984 in recognition of his role as the first Canadian astronaut. He was promoted the rank of Companion within the order in 2003 for his extensive work with Canada's space program.

Source: Canadian Space Agency, Wikipedia