Historic conversation between Canadian Science and Technology Minister and two Canadian Astronauts aboard ISS (Forwarded)

Canadian Space Agency
Longueuil, Quebec

July 19, 2009

Historic conversation between Science and Technology Minister Gary Goodyear
and two Canadian Astronauts aboard the space station

Today, the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and
Technology), on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry
and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), spoke with
Canadian Astronauts Julie Payette and Robert Thirsk during a live televised
downlink event with the International Space Station (ISS) as it orbited 400
km above Earth. Member of Parliament for Lis-Bellechasse, Steven Blaney also
participated in the downlink.

"Twenty-five years after the first Canadian flew into space, Canada
continues to be a leader in space exploration," said Minister Goodyear.
"Having two Canadian astronauts in space at the same time is truly a
Canadian space milestone."

Steve MacLean, President of the CSA and former astronaut, started the event
by greeting the two Canadian astronauts. Then Minister Goodyear asked Robert
and Julie questions about their work aboard the ISS.

"The best thing about being an astronaut aboard the space station is working
with my crewmates. My five crewmates representing the other four agencies
involved in the space station program are incredibly motivated, enthusiastic
people," responded Robert Thirsk, who launched to the Station on May 27,
2009 aboard a Soyuz rocket, in response to a question on living on the space
station with an international crew. "I am also proud of being a Canadian.
Canada ranks with the leaders in world exploration and world innovation. It
makes me very proud," he added, about meeting a fellow Canadian in space.

Talking about the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing, Julie
Payette said, "That event was very significant for me because I grew up with
the Apollo missions, and they are what motivated me to become an astronaut
when I was young." While floating in the ISS, she added that "Children like
me, growing up in Canada, had the impression that with perseverance, they
could -- I could -- accomplish the same."

Thirsk is a member of Expedition 20/21, the first permanent six-person crew,
and will stay on the space station for six months to maintain and repair the
ISS, while conducting experiments on behalf of Canadian and international
researchers.

Payette is taking part in STS-127, a 16-day mission launched on July 15,
2009. Along with her fellow crewmates, she will install a platform onto the
Japanese Laboratory Kibo, swap batteries, load other cargo, and perform five
spacewalks. Payette will be at the controls of Canadarm, Canadarm2 and the
Japanese robotic arm, supporting this intensely robotic assembly mission.

For details on both missions, visit the Canadian Space Agency website at
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca

Mission-related videos, animations and pictures are available at these
addresses:
ftp://ftp.asc-csa.gc.ca/users/expedition20-21/pub/
and
ftp://ftp.asc-csa.gc.ca/users/sts127/pub/

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About the Canadian Space Agency

Established in 1989, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) coordinates all civil,
space-related policies and programs on behalf of the Government of Canada.
CSA directs its resources and activities through four key thrusts: Earth
Observation, Space Science and Exploration, Satellite Communications, and
Space Awareness and Learning. By leveraging international cooperation, the
CSA generates world-class scientific research and industrial development for
the benefit of humanity.

For more information:

Media Relations
(450) 926-4370
www.asc-csa.gc.ca