Inviting an astronaut or a speaker
Part of the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA's) mandate is to inspire future generations of Canadians to study and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. What better way to do that than through our astronauts Jeremy Hansen, David Saint-Jacques, Jenni Gibbons and Joshua Kutryk? They are fantastic speakers and great role models for young and old alike.
CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen shares his experiences as an astronaut with students and teachers. (Credit: CSA)
In addition to our four astronauts, the CSA is fortunate to have a team of knowledgeable scientific experts and engineers who are highly skilled at presenting to schoolchildren, universities and professional organizations.
If you would like to invite an astronaut or one of our experts to speak at an event or a school, you must submit a formal request to the CSA Speakers Bureau.
To help us serve you better, please read the "What you need to know" section that follows, then submit the invitation form at least two months, but not more than six months before the event. The CSA carefully evaluates all requests and you will receive a reply within six to eight weeks on average.
What you need to know
- The CSA receives many invitations for its four astronauts each month. We make every effort to reach Canadians across the country through virtual and in-person speaking engagements. However, logistical and time constraints, as well as schedules, often prevent us from accepting invitations.
- Even if you know an employee or a CSA astronaut personally, you must fill out the speaker invitation form.
- Speakers' schedules are always subject to last-minute changes, which may require us to substitute a speaker or, in rare instances, cancel previously accepted public engagements. Should this occur, we will notify you as early as possible and we will make every effort to find an alternate speaker. However, we strongly suggest that you have a back-up presenter for your event.
- All publicity developed for your event (including media advisories, press releases and ads) must be approved in advance of their release by the CSA.
Honorarium, travel costs and ethics
- Following the CSA Public Affairs guidelines and the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service, representatives of the Government of Canada (including CSA astronauts) are not authorized, in the course of their duties, to participate in fundraising campaigns, support charitable organizations or lend their names to sponsorship activities, with the exception of fundraising for officially supported activities such as the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign, with the authorization of the CSA President.
- Conflict of interest guidelines prevent CSA employees from receiving any fees or remuneration for public engagements. Furthermore, all travel expenses from and to Houston, Texas, where our astronauts are based, will be assumed by the CSA.
- The CSA does not accept invitations from professional speakers bureaus or agencies, or events that are commercial or for-profit in nature.
For more information:
Canadian Space Agency
Communications and Public Affairs Directorate
General inquiries
Email: conferencier-speaker@asc-csa.gc.ca
Speaking requests for Chris Hadfield
Chris Hadfield retired from the CSA on . For events and media, please write to info@chrishadfield.ca.