Astronaut candidate's profile
The candidates participating in the astronaut selection process all have unique journeys and outstanding qualities and skills. You can read their remarkable profiles here.
Leblanc, David Jean-Charles
Where were you born?
St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada
Where do you currently live?
Quinte West, Ontario, Canada
Education
- Bachelor's, physics and computer science – Royal Military College of Canada
- Master's, software engineering – Royal Military College of Canada
- Master's, flight test engineering – National Flight Test Institute
Photo of the astronaut candidate during the aptitude tests. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)
What is your current job?
Royal Canadian Air Force Multi-Engine Qualified Test Pilot, Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment - I work as technical support for the air force supporting several multi-engine aircraft fleets. When we receive a new aircraft or upgrade to aircraft systems, my team and I are the first to accept it from the contractor and test it out in the lab and in the air, to make sure it is safe, effective and functions as expected. We do this before it is trusted for everyday use in the field under much more demanding circumstances, under much less controlled conditions.
Why do you want to become an astronaut?
As a small child I dreamed about doing many things when I grew older; one was the idea of being an astronaut. But at the time the gap seemed too large, so I instead set more achievable goals. It wasn't until recently, when I reflected on where I am in my life and what I have achieved so far, that I made the realization that being an astronaut was within my grasp and actually fit well with my educational background and experience. I am continuing my journey looking up at the sky striving to excel.