Payette, Julie (1963-…), is a former Canadian astronaut and governor general of Canada. She served as governor general from 2017 to 2021. The governor general is the representative of the British monarch, who is Canada’s head of state. The office is largely ceremonial.
Payette was born on Oct. 20, 1963, in Montreal, Quebec. She completed a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at McGill University in Montreal in 1986, and a master’s of applied science degree in computer engineering from the University of Toronto in 1990. From 1986 to 1992, she worked as an engineer at IBM Canada and then at Bell-Northern Research.
In 1992, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) accepted Payette into its astronaut program. In 1999, Payette became the first Canadian astronaut to work on the International Space Station (ISS). She flew on a second mission to the ISS in 2009. Her responsibilities during the flights included operating robotic arms to help crew members install equipment outside the station. From 2000 to 2007, Payette served as chief astronaut of the CSA. She retired from the CSA in 2013.
Loading the player...Canadian astronaut Julie Payette
Payette was chief operating officer of the Montreal Science Centre from 2013 to 2016. She was appointed governor general of Canada in 2017 on the recommendation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Payette resigned as governor general in early 2021, following accusations that she had mistreated employees.
Payette has received a number of honors during her career. In 2010, she was appointed an Officer, and in 2017, a Companion, of the Order of Canada. Appointment to the order is one of Canada’s highest civilian honors. Payette also has received a number of honorary degrees.
