Table of Contents

Astronauts

Space Operations Astronauts

Space operations astronauts are professional astronauts who work for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to prepare for and perform space operations activities. These activities can be space-based, such as working on the Space Shuttle, or ground-based, such as working at Mission Control.

CSA astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason during flying practice.

Space operations astronauts train for, and participate in, a variety of possible space flights that may include Space Shuttle flights, expedition assignments to the International Space Station (ISS), or other possible space-flight opportunities deemed to be of benefit to Canada and the CSA.

When space operations astronauts are not training or involved with space flight operations they are assigned to work in their areas of expertise.

CSA Astronaut Robert Thirsk, payload specialist for STS-78, performs a test on his arm using the Torque Velocity Dynamometer to analyze the effects of microgravity on muscles, June 20, 1996.
(Image: NASA)

CSA Astronaut Chris Hadfield works as a CapCom, or Capsule Communicator, at Mission Control in Houston, supporting Marc Garneau on mission STS-77.
(Image: NASA)

Salary Scale for Space Operations Astronauts

Under the Terms and Conditions of Employment for Canadian Astronauts (under revision), the space operations astronaut salary scale is based on three levels.

• Grade I: Entry Level – includes the training period (formal training and work experience) required to become fully operational in a space-flight setting.

• Grade II: Working Level – is attained when the astronaut is apt and competent, that is, has successfully completed the NASA Astronaut Basic Training Program, or equivalent, and awaits a flight assignment.

• Grade III: Senior Level – is attained once the astronaut has successfully completed a space flight.

Grade I to Grade III salaries range from $83,300 to $162,700.