What does it take to be an astronaut? Hear all about Canada’s 2008/09 astronaut recruitment campaign from University of Victoria physics and astronomy professor and aspiring astronaut Dr. Geoffrey Steeves, one of the finalists in the campaign.

From May 2008 to May 2009, the Canadian Space Agency conducted a recruitment campaign to select two new astronauts. This was the first campaign in 17 years, and only the third in Canadian history. Through interviews, medical tests, fitness tests, aptitude tests and stress/survival tests, the field of more than five thousand qualified applicants was narrowed to 16 finalists and ultimately to two.

Steeves will describe the campaign tomorrow and highlight some of the more interesting and unusual challenges he faced to make it into the top 16.
“Calling All Astronauts: Canada’s 2008/09 Astronaut Recruitment Campaign”

Tuesday, 6 Oct. at 7:30 p.m.

Bob Wright Centre, room B150

Admission is free. Evening parking is $2.

UVic campus maps are available at www.uvic.ca/visitors/explore/maps.