


Internationally, this mission represented a significant leap forward in scientific collaboration aboard the ISS. In addition, he was the first Canadian astronaut to travel aboard a Russian Soyuz vehicle. While previous missions have lasted no more than eighteen days, Dr. Thirsk lived and worked in the ISS for six months. Dr. Thirsk was the first Canadian astronaut to live and work onboard the ISS for several months in a row- marking a milestone for Canada's Human Space Program.
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Working with National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( NASA) United States ( U.S.A.), Russian Federal Space Agency ( Roscosmos), European Space Agency ( ESA), and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ( JAXA), Dr. Thirsk and the Canadian Space Agency ( CSA) had the opportunity to demonstrate the foremost advances in Canadian technology, conducting valuable research experiments for national and international scientists, and bringing everyday Canadians closer to the experience of space than ever before.Įxpedition 20/21 established a series of exciting benchmarks for Canada's space program. On May 27, 2009, Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert (Bob) Thirsk launched in a Russian Soyuz vehicle from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, undertaking an unprecedented six-month stay on the ISS. In the spring of 2009, Canada will stepped up to the astronautical plate by combining technological sophistication, cutting-edge scientific research, international collaboration, and the passionate commitment of highly trained astronauts to push this nation towards and beyond a brave new frontier of exploration and scientific discovery. Since Russia launched Sputnik, the Earth's first artificial satellite in 1957, nation after nation has charted new territory for itself in space.
