Officer of the Order of Canada
- Awarded on: May 6, 2010
- Invested on: September 16, 2011
Julie Payette is a source of inspiration and a remarkable international ambassador for Canadian engineering. Both an engineer and an astronaut, she has two space missions to her credit. She is the first Canadian to board the International Space Station and to take part in its assembly by operating the Canadian robotic arms. She is also the first woman to serve as lead communicator between the ground controllers at the Mission Control Center in Houston, Texas, and the astronauts in flight. She has held various positions with the Canadian Space Agency, including chief astronaut for several years. Known for her warm personality and talent as an orator, she is in demand as a speaker and is an extraordinary role model for women and young people.
