Book description
On October 5, 1984, Marc Garneau became Canada's first astronaut when
he rocketed into space from a launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida. In
doing so, Garneau became a national hero. Seven of his fellow citizens
followed in his footsteps, many more than once. Julie Payette, a young
mother and adventurer from Montreal was the first Canadian woman to
visit the International Space Station. Chris Hadfield, a former fighter
pilot from Ontario, was the first Canadian to do a spacewalk, while
Saskatchewan-born Doctor Dave Williams performed surgery on test animals
while his shuttle sped around the globe. This book was written as a 25th
anniversary tribute to these brave men and women who defied tremendous
odds, risked their lives, and soared from earth on sheets of flame. By
leaving the only planet known to be habitable, they became true
explorers in an ever-expanding universe we will never completely know.
John Melady is a veteran writer on military history and space
exploration. His many books include Pearson's Prize, Canadians in Space,
Star of Courage, and Heartbreak and Heroism. He lives in Egmondville,
Ontario.
