Two Nova Scotians are on the short list to be the next Canadian astronaut.
Former Olympian Peter Giles from Lake Echo and Geoffrey Steeves from Halifax are on the top 16 list. Originally 5,351 people were considered. The Canadian Space Agency will hire two astronauts in May and the two successful candidates will live on the International Space Station for six months
Candidates were put through medical, physical and skills tests — some under extreme conditions. They were also tested for creativity and teamwork to see if they can meet the demands of space flight.
“This is only the third astronaut recruitment campaign held in Canadian history. As we proceed with our selection process, two of these highly talented individuals will be chosen for the opportunity of a lifetime,” said CSA president and former astronaut Steve MacLean in a statement.
Giles was interviewed by Metro in July after his trip as an assistant Chef de Mission to the Beijing Olympics.
“Being an Olympian gets you into a club you belong to for the rest of your life,” he told Metro. “It breaks the ice and opens all kinds of doors.”
He also has a PhD in applied physics.
