On Decemder 1, 2009, after spending 188 days in space, Robert Thirsk returned to Earth aboard a Soyuz spacecraft.
Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian Commander of the ISS, would go on to achieve worldwide fame in 2013 for releasing a music video he recorded on the International Space Station of his version of David Bowie's song "Space Oddity".
Astronaut Julie Payette would go on to serve as the governor general of Canada, and Garneau would become Minister of Foreign Affairs.
[4] Of the nine current and former Canadian astronauts who have gone into space, two are women: Julie Payette and Roberta Bondar.
[5] In addition to being Canadian citizens or residents, candidates must meet certain physical standards (including height, weight, hearing and visual acuity) as well as educational requirements.