Sean and I went to see astronaut David Saint-Jacques at the Vancouver Aquarium last night. You’d think that an aquarium and astronaut pairing might sound a little random, but it turned out to be a great combination.
Although Saint-Jacques hasn’t gone into space yet, his CV is impressive. He has an MD and a PH.D in astrophysics from Cambridge University. He was one of only 14 selected by the Canadian Space Agency for training. He graduated in 2011 with skills in robotics, T-38 flight training, water & wilderness survival training and intensive instruction in ISS systems, which he put to good use in assisting Commander Chris Hadfield during his time on the ISS. Oh and he’s fluent in Russian. And a family man.
Wow! Talk about feeling inferior. He’s accomplished so much.
Right now, Saint-Jacques working at the astronaut office, in the robotics department. And doing speaking engagements. And as luck would have it, tonight was also the Souyez rocket launch! So not only did we all get to watch it live together, we also got some very interesting insights too.
Saint-Jacques welcomed questions and there were many from the audience. So while everyone else was asking the technical and training questions, Sean asked if he believes in extra-terrestrials. (!) and Saint-Jacques’ answer? Although he didn’t say the word, “aliens”, he did say he believes that it would be an awful waste of space if we were the only ones in the universe.
I didn’t get a chance to ask mine, which was “What is your favourite space movie?”
After the Q&A sesh ended, there was a meet & greet. Sean and I received an autographed photo, got shake his hand and wish him well.
Saint-Jacques was quite the inspiration. I really hope he gets to go to space one day.
Top photo: Vancouver Aquarium
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