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Official Flying Kit
During space missions, astronauts can bring with them a certain number of objects from various organizations. In recognition of the work and dedication of Canadian organizations, Julie Payette will bring with her a few articles that are of particular significance for her and the Canadian Space Program.
The objects selected to make the trip illustrate Julie Payette's interest in the environment and also showcase the work of organizations that focus on the advancement of science and technology.
A symbolic rough diamond (Yellowknife, Northwest Territories)
Credit: De Beers
Credit: CSA
A rough diamond from the Northwest Territories will be the first gem of its kind to launch into space, and will serve as a symbol of the Legendary Sky Project, a multi-year education and outreach initiative dedicated to the collection and preservation of northern sky knowledge and heritage in the Northwest Territories. The project is led by Astronomy North, a non-profit society based in Yellowknife.
"It is a legendary way to launch a legendary project," says James Pugsley, President of Astronomy North. "Our goal is to introduce NWT students to the ancient history of Earth, the geology of our solar system, and to the frontiers of space exploration using a tiny stone found in their own backyard."
The 2.89-carat unpolished yellow diamond has been engraved with the Space Shuttle mission number and the name of the mine where it was discovered (the De Beers Snap Lake Mine near Yellowknife). Upon its return to Earth, the Legendary Sky Diamond will be donated by Astronomy North to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife, where it will be housed in a permanent exhibit dedicated to the nature, culture and wonder of Canada's northern skies. The exhibit will also be used to tell the story of diamonds on Earth and diamonds found elsewhere in the Universe.
www.legendarysky.ca
The Legendary Sky Information Sheet (PDF format, 475 KB)
Drops of water from the Great Lakes and the three oceans bordering Canada, in collaboration with Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Royal Ontario Museum
Ann Cotter, of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), collects samples of water from Lake Superior at Gitchie Gummi Landing on December 1, 2008. Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada as well as the EPA helped the CSA collect the drops of water that will fly in space with Julie Payette.
Credit: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, Duluth, Minnessota
Through the collaboration of its partners, the CSA was able to collect a few drops of water from the Great Lakes and the three oceans bordering Canada to send to space aboard mission STS 127. In addition to marking the 50th anniversary of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, bringing the samples to space will highlight the importance of Earth observation and of imagery captured from the International Space Station and by Canadian Earth observation satellites such as RADARSAT-1 and RADARSAT-2.
Comprised of the St. Lawrence River, St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes, the seaway system is a veritable marine highway. It is considered one of the world's greatest and most strategic commercial waterways and offers greater fuel efficiency than truck transport.
Upon their return to Earth, the drops of water will be displayed at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Ontario, as part of its permanent biodiversity exhibit.
www.on.ec.gc.ca/greatlakes
www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
www.hwyh2o.com
www.rom.on.ca
Replica of an astrolabe, Canadian Museum of Civilization (Ottawa, Ontario)
Like the astronauts who set out to conquer the frontiers of the Universe, the first great explorers earned a place in history through their discoveries. The astrolabe was used by the explorers to navigate by the stars and exemplifies the human drive to discover new worlds. The replica of the instrument, provided by the Canadian Museum of Civilization, gives the CSA an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of this organization, which works to raise public awareness of the history of Canada and its pioneers, the cultural diversity of the country and its people.
www.civilisations.ca/cmc/home/cmc-home
Reproduction of the first spectrum observed by the Plaskett Telescope on May 5, 1918, Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, National Research Council of Canada (Victoria, British Columbia)
Symbolic of the advances achieved in astronomy, the reproduction of the first spectrum captured by the Plaskett telescope highlights the valuable support provided by the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics to the advancement of science and astronomy. This CSA collaborator provides Canadian astronomers and researchers with access to sophisticated research facilities in observational astronomy. The choice of this item for the official flight kit also enables the CSA to salute the International Year of Astronomy.
www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/about/index.html
www.astronomy2009.ca
Nano chip engraved with the names of all recipients of the Ordre national du Québec (Quebec City, Quebec)
Canadian astronaut Julie Payette wishes to recognize those who, through their dedication, have made exemplary contributions to raising the profile of Quebec and helping the province to develop in all sectors of human activity. The engraved nano chip bears the names of the recipients of the Ordre national du Québec, the highest award given by the Quebec government. As a recipient of the Ordre national du Québec herself, it is Julie Payette's intention to showcase in this way the efforts of the recipients and their commitment to the advancement of knowledge.
Resin water droplet, One Drop Foundation (Montreal, Quebec)
With a mission to fight poverty by improving access to drinking water, the One Drop Foundation is a non-profit organization working to preserve this precious resource for current and future generations throughout the world. Julie Payette has chosen to carry this object into space to showcase not only the work of this dynamic organization, established by the founder of the Cirque du Soleil, but also Canada's commitment to finding new solutions to improve the human condition through Earth observation from space.
Game piece from Mission Gaïa, Montreal Science Centre (Montreal, Quebec)
This multimedia game helps young visitors to the Montreal Science Centre to comprehend the impact on the environment of their everyday behaviour, their behaviour as consumers and their attitudes, and to understand sustainable development. As a key CSA partner, the Montreal Science Centre is committed to raising awareness among young people of the fields of science and technology.
www.centredessciencesdemontreal.com
Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Montreal Symphony Orchestra
(Montreal, Quebec)
An excerpt from the first score acquired by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will travel aboard mission STS 127. The document carried by Julie Payette acknowledges the Canadian astronaut's passion for music and exemplifies the success of the orchestra, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year with great fanfare. The excerpt also bears the signature of all the conductors who have led the OSM in a performance of Beethoven's 5th Symphony.
Flag of the Town of Gaspé (Gaspé, Québec)
It was 475 years ago that Jacques Cartier first set foot in America and erected a cross in the Gaspé. To highlight this anniversary and her attachment to her friends from the Gaspé, Julie Payette will be bringing with her the flag of the Town of Gaspé.
United World College Flag
Julie Payette attended a school that is part of a group of international institutions run by the United World College International and United World Colleges (UWC). The objective of the UWC is to promote international cooperation and understanding, which coincides with the objectives of the International Space Station. Much more than a world-class laboratory in space, the ISS is an international human experiment that teaches us how to learn and live with our international partners in a non-terrestrial environment.
www.uwc.org
Other items carried by Julie Payette (not part of her OFK)
Jersey signed by Canadian athletes (Vancouver, British Columbia, and Calgary, Alberta)
In recognition of the commitment and determination of the Canadian athletes who will compete in the Vancouver Olympic Games in 2010, Julie Payette will wear a Canadian Olympic Committee jersey signed by those who will represent Canada at the event. A photo will be taken of Julie Payette wearing the jersey in space. The photo will be then displayed with the jersey at the residence of the Canadian delegation in Vancouver during the upcoming Olympics. After the Games, the jersey and the photo will be placed on display at the Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum, in Calgary, Alberta.
www.vancouver2010.com
www.olympic.ca/splash.html
Montreal Canadiens jersey autographed by Maurice Richard (Montreal, Quebec)
While in space, Julie Payette will wear a jersey signed by the famous number nine of the Montreal Canadiens, Maurice "The Rocket" Richard. In addition to marking the 100th anniversary of the organization, the jersey's trip beyond the boundaries of the Earth will also commemorate the achievements of the legendary hockey player.
Silver spoon from the University of Toronto's Massey College (Toronto, Ontario)
Of the 500 silver spoons owned by the University of Toronto's Massey College in 1965, close to half have now disappeared and are probably scattered throughout the world with former students. One of the cooks at the institution was intrigued by the phenomenon and suggested that a silver spoon from the College should go along on mission STS-127. A graduate of the institution, Julie Payette will bring a spoon with her on her voyage, making space the next destination for a silver spoon from Massey College.
Photos of Canadian Space Agency employees (Longueuil, Québec)
Julie Payette would like to acknowledge the support and the excellent work of the employees of the Canadian Space Agency by bringing along a photo of herself with her colleagues that was taken during National Public Service Week in 2008.
Items for crown corporation CBC/Radio-Canada
The astronaut will bring along a post card from Quirks and Quarks, a science show hosted by Bob MacDonald and broadcast by CBC Radio. A sticker from Infoman, a show hosted by Jean-René Dufort and broadcast by Radio-Canada, will also be on the voyage.
www.radio-canada.ca
www.cbc.ca
