The 2009 Astronaut Candidate Class visit the Canadian Space Agency

As a part of their basic training program, the astronaut candidates are participating in familiarization visits of partner space agencies. On Friday, September 10, Canadian astronaut candidates David Saint-Jacques and Jeremy Hansen and their colleagues were at the John H. Chapman Space Centre, in Saint-Hubert, Quebec.

Basic Training Program

On August 24, 2009, David Saint-Jacques and Jeremy Hansen reported to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, to begin a two-year journey to join with the current astronaut corps in future exploration missions.

The Basic Training Program, which starts at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and continues at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas, focuses on bringing astronaut candidates from different backgrounds to the same level of knowledge and skills.

The Basic Training Program covers a wide range of topics that include, among others: fundamentals of space flight , current space programs, space operations and procedures, International Space Station systems, Earth observation, space science, robotics, human behaviour and performance, parachute jumps, scuba diving, physical training, first Aid and CPR, survival training (summer and winter).

Upon successful completion of the Basic Training Program, candidates are given the title of "astronaut". They then progress to International Space Station (ISS) advanced training.

International Space Station (ISS) Advanced Training

The ISS is a joint project shared among the space agencies of Canada, the United States, Japan, Europe, and Russia.

ISS crew members receive basic training at their respective space agencies before proceeding to advanced training.

During ISS advanced training, expedition astronauts receive training in all space station onboard systems and participate in cross-cultural training. Each international partner provides training for their contribution to the ISS to all expedition astronauts.

For example, the CSA trains all expedition astronauts on the Mobile Servicing System (MSS), which consists of three main elements: the Canadarm2, the mobile base and Dextre.

Expedition astronauts begin ISS Advanced Crew Training approximately 12 months before the start of expedition specific training. Meanwhile, all visiting crew members and space-flight participants undergo a basic customized ISS training program.

Useful links:

• Astronaut basic training program
• International Space Station (ISS) advanced training
• The International Space Station
• The Canadian Mobile Servicing System
• Our new astronauts in training: image gallery