# Julie Payette > 29th governor general of Canada, former CSA Astronaut (born 1963) **Wikidata**: [Q240769](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q240769) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Payette) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/julie-payette ## Summary Julie Payette is a Canadian engineer, former astronaut, and politician who served as the 29th Governor General of Canada from 2017 to 2021. Born on October 20, 1963, she became the second woman to hold Canada's vice-regal office and is recognized for her contributions to space exploration, having completed two missions with the Canadian Space Agency. She is also the namesake of asteroid 14574 Payette. ## Biography - **Born:** October 20, 1963 - **Nationality:** Canadian - **Education:** McGill University (English-language public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, inception: 1821), University of Toronto (public research university in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada, inception: March 15, 1827), UWC Atlantic College (independent residential Sixth Form College in the United Kingdom, inception: 1962), University of Cambridge - **Known for:** Serving as the 29th Governor General of Canada; completing two space missions as a CSA Astronaut; being the second woman to hold the position of Governor General - **Employer(s):** Canadian Space Agency (space agency of Canada, inception: March 1, 1989), Government of Canada (federal government of Canada, inception: 1867), IBM (American multinational technology corporation, inception: June 16, 1911), Office of the Governor General of Canada - **Field(s):** Space exploration, engineering, politics, public service ## Contributions Julie Payette's contributions span multiple domains: ### Space Exploration - Completed two space missions as a Canadian Space Agency astronaut - Part of NASA Astronaut Group 16 (1996 astronaut group, inception: May 1996) - Performed duties as an astronaut, including commanding, piloting, or serving as a crew member of spacecraft ### Public Service - Served as the 29th Governor General of Canada from 2017 to 2021 - Represented the Crown in Canada and performed ceremonial duties - Served as Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces ### Academic Recognition - Received honorary doctorate from Laval University - Received honorary doctorate from University of Ottawa - Received honorary doctorate from Concordia University - Received honorary doctorate from University of Alberta - Received honorary doctorate from University of British Columbia - Named Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada ### Awards and Decorations - NASA Exceptional Service Medal (medal awarded by NASA, inception: May 1, 1957) - NASA Space Flight Medal (inception: 1981) - Women of Distinction Awards from the YWCA of Montreal ## FAQs ### Who is Julie Payette? Julie Payette is a Canadian engineer, former astronaut, and politician who served as the 29th Governor General of Canada from 2017 to 2021. She is the second woman to hold this position and has a background in space exploration with the Canadian Space Agency. ### What are Julie Payette's educational credentials? Julie Payette was educated at McGill University, University of Toronto, UWC Atlantic College in the United Kingdom, and the University of Cambridge. She has received honorary doctorates from multiple Canadian universities including Laval University, University of Ottawa, Concordia University, University of Alberta, and University of British Columbia. ### What space missions did Julie Payette complete? As a Canadian Space Agency astronaut, Julie Payette completed two space missions. She was part of NASA Astronaut Group 16, selected in 1996. ### What awards has Julie Payette received? Julie Payette has received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Space Flight Medal, and the Women of Distinction Awards from the YWCA of Montreal. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. ### What is Julie Payette's connection to IBM? According to the source material, Julie Payette's employer includes IBM, an American multinational technology corporation founded on June 16, 1911, headquartered in Armonk, United States. ### What is asteroid 14574 Payette? Asteroid 14574 Payette is named in honor of Julie Payette, recognizing her contributions to space exploration and her service as a Canadian astronaut. ## Why They Matter Julie Payette matters as a pioneering figure in Canadian space exploration and public service. As one of Canada's earliest female astronauts, she helped pave the way for greater participation of women in STEM fields and space programs. Her selection as the 29th Governor General of Canada represented a significant milestone, making her only the second woman to hold this prestigious vice-regal position in Canadian history. Her contributions to the Canadian Space Agency during her astronaut career helped advance Canada's role in international space missions. The naming of asteroid 14574 Payette in her honor serves as a lasting testament to her achievements in space exploration. As Governor General, she represented Canada on the world stage and performed crucial ceremonial and symbolic functions as the representative of the Crown. Her academic achievements, including multiple honorary doctorates and fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada, reflect her broader contributions to Canadian society beyond her official roles. ## Notable For - Second woman to serve as Governor General of Canada - 29th Governor General of Canada (2017-2021) - Completed two space missions as a Canadian Space Agency astronaut - Member of NASA Astronaut Group 16 (1996) - Recipient of the NASA Exceptional Service Medal - Recipient of the NASA Space Flight Medal - Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada - Recipient of Women of Distinction Awards from YWCA of Montreal - Namesake of asteroid 14574 Payette - Received honorary doctorates from five Canadian universities (Laval University, University of Ottawa, Concordia University, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia) ## Body ### Early Life and Education Julie Payette was born on October 20, 1963. She pursued higher education at several prestigious institutions, including McGill University in Montreal, the University of Toronto, UWC Atlantic College in the United Kingdom, and the University of Cambridge. Her educational background in engineering provided the foundation for her subsequent career in space exploration. ### Astronaut Career Julie Payette became a Canadian Space Agency astronaut and was selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 16 in 1996. As an astronaut, she performed duties that included commanding, piloting, or serving as a crew member of spacecraft. She completed two space missions during her career with the Canadian Space Agency, which is Canada's space agency founded on March 1, 1989, employing approximately 670 people and headquartered in Quebec. Her contributions to space exploration earned her several prestigious awards, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the NASA Space Flight Medal. The NASA Exceptional Service Medal was established on May 1, 1957, and is awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional service to NASA. The NASA Space Flight Medal, established in 1981, recognizes astronauts who have participated in space flights. ### Public Service and Governorship Following her career as an astronaut, Julie Payette transitioned into public service and politics. She served as the 29th Governor General of Canada from 2017 to 2021, representing the Crown in Canada and performing the ceremonial duties associated with this vice-regal position. The Governor General serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces and represents Canada domestically and internationally. The Office of the Governor General of Canada is part of the Government of Canada, which has been the federal government of Canada since 1867. As Governor General, Payette was the second woman to hold this position, following in the footsteps of her predecessor. ### Academic and Professional Recognition Julie Payette's contributions have been recognized through numerous academic honors. She has received honorary doctorates from five Canadian universities: Laval University, University of Ottawa, Concordia University, University of Alberta, and University of British Columbia. These recognitions reflect her impact on Canadian society and her contributions to science, public service, and space exploration. She was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the country's national academy for the advancement of knowledge. She also received the Women of Distinction Awards from the YWCA of Montreal, recognizing her achievements and contributions to society. ### Legacy and Honors The legacy of Julie Payette's career is reflected in multiple honors. Asteroid 14574 Payette was named in her honor, recognizing her contributions to space exploration. This celestial body's naming serves as a lasting testament to her achievements in advancing Canada's role in space exploration. Her career trajectory from engineering and space exploration to the highest office in Canada's vice-regal system demonstrates her broad capabilities and commitment to public service. She has influenced generations of Canadians, particularly women in STEM fields, by demonstrating that excellence in science and public service are not mutually exclusive. ### Affiliations and Connections Throughout her career, Julie Payette has been affiliated with multiple organizations. Her educational affiliations include McGill University, the University of Toronto, UWC Atlantic College, and the University of Cambridge. Her professional affiliations include the Canadian Space Agency, the Government of Canada, IBM, and the Office of the Governor General of Canada. IBM, with which she was affiliated, is an American multinational technology corporation specializing in software, computer hardware, and information technology services. Founded on June 16, 1911, and headquartered in Armonk, United States, IBM operates in the software industry, computer industry, IT service management, information technology consulting, and computer hardware industry. Canada, her home country, is a sovereign state and federation located in North America, operating as a constitutional monarchy and Commonwealth realm. Founded on July 1, 1867, Canada is known for its extensive territory, diverse population, and significant contributions to international affairs. ## References 1. [Source](http://www.ordre-national.gouv.qc.ca/membres/membre.asp?id=1157) 2. Integrated Authority File 3. [Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada](https://www.gg.ca/en/heraldry/public-register/project/2956) 4. [Source](https://www.ulaval.ca/notre-universite/prix-et-distinctions/doctorats-honoris-causa-de-luniversite-laval/liste-complete-des-recipiendaires-de-1864-a-aujourdhui.html) 5. [Source](https://rsc-src.ca/sites/default/files/Class%20of%202019.pdf) 6. [Source](https://fondation.ydesfemmesmtl.org/prix-femmes-de-merite/laureates-depuis-1994/) 7. Munzinger Personen 8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013