(Montreal) Forty years ago, on October 5, 1984, Marc Garneau launched aboard the renowned space shuttle Challenger for an eight-day mission, becoming the first Canadian to travel into space.
Posted at 10:26 a.m.
Stéphane Blais
The Canadian Press
One evening in June 1983, Marc Garneau, then an engineer with the Canadian Navy, was reading the Ottawa Citizen when a classified advertisement caught his eye.
“It was after work, I was sitting on my balcony, and I nearly fell out of my chair when I saw the ad,” Mr. Garneau recalled in an interview with The Canadian Press.
NASA was seeking two Canadians for its upcoming space missions.
The ad stated that “candidates must have a degree in engineering, science, or medicine and be in good health,” summarized the former federal minister.
“My wife gave me her blessing to submit my application, and that’s what I did,” explained Marc Garneau, who was 34 at the time.
More than 4,000 individuals, like him, responded to the call for space exploration.
Then, following a rigorous six-month selection process, on the evening of December 3, 1984, a representative from the National Research Council of Canada called Marc Garneau to inform him that he was one of six Canadians chosen to be part of the country’s first astronaut corps.
“I think I celebrated with a glass or two of wine, and then my wife and I realized that our lives were going to change in a very, very significant way,” Marc Garneau said.
First Flight
PHOTO PROVIDED BY NASA
Marc Garneau flew aboard the shuttle Challenger.
Of the six Canadians, Marc Garneau made history as the first to journey into space aboard the Challenger during the STS-41G mission on October 5, 1984.
The former astronaut admitted that he was never told the reasons for his selection.
“I never received an official explanation, but I was in good health, I could communicate in both languages, and I had experience in the Navy,” Marc Garneau noted, adding that having crossed the Atlantic by sailboat a few years prior had likely worked in his favor.
During one of those voyages, “which lasted about 20 days, we faced challenging conditions, with wind, waves, and all that, and we had to work as a team to reach our destination,” hence “perhaps it was this experience that convinced them I was capable of undertaking a mission in space.”
Jealous American Astronauts
In 1984, it was the second occasion that NASA included a non-American member in its crew.
The invitation to Canada was a gesture of gratitude for the country’s contribution to the Canadian arm, the manipulator arm of the NASA space shuttle.
However, this decision was not met with unanimous approval, especially among American astronauts, according to Marc Garneau.
“I sensed a certain coldness from American astronauts, some of whom had been waiting several years for their first flight, questioning, ‘What is this guy doing coming from another country and jumping the queue, getting the opportunity to fly after just a few months?’”
This selection also came with “pressure from” Canadian citizens.
“I was the first, so naturally the public wanted everything to go smoothly, and for my flight to be successful. I realized that if I missed my opportunity, it would leave a negative impression at NASA and affect the future of the astronaut program in Canada,” Marc Garneau summarized.
Ultimately, the first mission of a Canadian in space was successful, and Marc Garneau managed to conduct several experiments aboard the Challenger shuttle, including the first tests of the space vision system designed to give the Canadian arm its capabilities.
“Of course, we had work to do, but when we are in orbit, we also have the opportunity to observe the Earth. When we gaze at the atmosphere—the thin layer enveloping us—and when we see the oceans we share against the backdrop of the dark space surrounding us, we realize that there is no option B; it’s the only place we can live, and we must take care of it.”
The Tragedy
The Challenger, the spacecraft in which Marc Garneau completed his mission in 1984, was the same vehicle that exploded two years later, killing all seven astronauts on board.
At the time of the accident, he was in Houston at the Johnson Space Center, assisting in planning the flight of the second Canadian astronaut.
The Challenger disaster occurred shortly after takeoff in a massive conflagration of hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
On that tragic day, Marc Garneau was with several NASA employees, watching the shuttle launch on a large screen.
“We all witnessed the explosion. People were crying. There was a lot of emotion, and many were in denial. There was a human inclination to not acknowledge that something terrible had occurred. I knew the launch sequence down to the second, and I realized there was no hope for the crew’s survival. It was a horrific moment. I knew a bit about the different crew members.”
After the accident, Marc Garneau flew into space twice more, both times aboard the shuttle Endeavour.
“In the missions I participated in, in 1996 and 2000, that horrific image of the Challenger exploding was etched in my mind, and I understood the concrete risks involved.”
When traveling in space, “there are no real ways to avoid these risks,” which is why it is “essential to always be absolutely rigorous in all checks and decisions before allowing a launch.”
Following his career as an astronaut and a period leading the Canadian Space Agency, Marc Garneau became an MP in 2008 and later served as Minister of Transport and then Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Anyone who retired in 2023 is not lacking in political activity.
Despite “the challenging times” faced by his former Liberal colleagues, he believes Justin Trudeau will remain the leader of the Liberal Party and will run in the next election.
When asked if he believes this decision is the right one, the former minister stated, “It’s his decision; I’m not delving into that area,” but “it seems the caucus supports it, so we’ll see.”
Marc Garneau is currently touring various cities across the country to promote the English version of his autobiography.
The French version of the book “The Most Extraordinary of Journeys” will be released in November 2024.
40 Years Since Marc Garneau’s Historic Space Flight
A Historic Journey Begins
On October 5, 1984, the world watched as Marc Garneau embarked on an eight-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. This moment marked a significant milestone as Garneau became the first Canadian in space, inspiring future generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts across Canada and beyond.
The Journey to Space: Garneau’s Selection
Marc Garneau’s journey to becoming an astronaut began in an unexpected way. On a June evening in 1983, while enjoying some downtime after work, he stumbled upon a classified advertisement in the Ottawa Citizen. NASA was seeking candidates for its upcoming space missions, specifically looking for Canadians endowed with engineering, science, or medical backgrounds.
Responding to History
- Garneau, then an engineer with the Canadian Navy, decided to apply after receiving his wife’s encouragement.
- Out of over 4,000 applicants, six Canadians were shortlisted, and Garneau was selected to join the first Canadian astronaut corps.
- His selection was officially announced on December 3, 1983, marking the beginning of an extraordinary adventure.
Challenger STS-41G Mission Overview
Flying aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, Garneau participated in the STS-41G mission, which involved various scientific experiments, some of which were critical to the development of the Canadian robotic arm for the shuttle.
| Mission Details | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Date of Launch | October 5, 1984 |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Astronauts on Board | 7 |
| Primary Objective | Conducting scientific experiments and technology testing |
The Experience of Space
During the mission, Garneau engaged in a slew of experiments that contributed greatly to scientific knowledge. This included the first trials of the Canadian Space Vision System—a critical technology that would enhance the capability of the Canadian robotic arm. Garneau described the experience of observing Earth from space as profound and transformative:
“Seeing the thin layer of atmosphere surrounding our blue planet against the vast darkness of space made it clear to me that Earth is our only home and that we need to protect it.” – Marc Garneau
Overcoming Challenges
Garneau faced not only the logistical challenges of his mission but also the emotional weight of being Canada’s first astronaut. He recounted feelings of pressure from both his fellow astronauts and Canadian citizens who placed high expectations on him. Despite this, Garneau successfully completed his mission, leaving behind an indelible mark on NASA and the future of Canadian space endeavors.
The Harrowing Challenger Disaster
Tragically, the same Space Shuttle Challenger that carried Garneau into orbit met its fate two years later in January 1986. The shuttle exploded shortly after liftoff, killing all seven crew members on board. At that time, Garneau was in Houston working on the next Canadian mission and witnessed the catastrophic event unfold on a giant screen:
- “We all watched in horror as the explosion occurred. The reality hit us hard.”
- Garneau, acutely aware of the risks involved in spaceflight, understood the dangers that came with the journey into space.
Legacy of a Visionary
After his illustrious career as an astronaut, Marc Garneau transitioned into a significant role in public service. He was appointed as the head of the Canadian Space Agency before entering politics in 2008. Over his political career, he has served as:
- Member of Parliament
- Minister of Transport
- Minister of Foreign Affairs
Current Endeavors
Today, Garneau continues to inspire as he promotes his autobiography, showcasing his incredible journey and the future of space exploration. His memoir titled “The Most Extraordinary of Journeys” highlights not only his space adventures but also the profound lessons learned throughout his life.
Conclusion
Marc Garneau’s mission aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1984 was more than just a journey into space; it was the dawn of Canada’s presence in the field of human space exploration. As we celebrate this milestone 40 years later, his legacy continues to encourage not only aspiring astronauts but also anyone with a dream to push beyond the boundaries of what is possible.
