David Saint-Jacques

David Saint-Jacques is a Canadian astronaut, astrophysicist, engineer, and physician. He flew to the International Space Station in 2018 as part of Expedition 58/59, spending over six months conducting scientific research and performing robotics tasks.

Early Life

Born in Quebec City, Saint-Jacques developed a passion for space and science at a young age. He pursued rigorous academic studies, earning a bachelor's degree in engineering physics from École Polytechnique de Montréal, a master's degree in astrophysics from the University of Cambridge, and a doctorate in astrophysics from the University of Cambridge.

Career

Prior to joining the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Saint-Jacques worked as a biomedical engineer and a family physician. Selected as a CSA astronaut in 2009, he underwent extensive training in Canada, the United States, Europe, Japan, and Russia. During his 204-day mission aboard the ISS, Saint-Jacques contributed to numerous scientific experiments, including studies on human physiology in space and the effects of microgravity. He also operated the Canadarm2 robotic arm and performed a spacewalk.

Personal Life

Saint-Jacques is married and has three children. He is fluent in French and English, and has working knowledge of Russian and Spanish. He is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying activities such as mountaineering, hiking, and kayaking.

Awards

Saint-Jacques has received numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Canada, the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.