Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques on standby to take off for the International Space Station

Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut David Saint-Jacques is currently the backup for European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst, who is scheduled to take off for the International Space Station on June 6, 2018. As such, he has passed the qualification exam and is on standby over the coming days.

Longueuil, Quebec, May 31, 2018 — Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut David Saint-Jacques is currently the backup for European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst, who is scheduled to take off for the International Space Station on June 6, 2018. As such, he has passed the qualification exam and is on standby over the coming days.

If something should prevent the prime crew from launching, David Saint-Jacques and his crewmates would replace them. This means they would embark on a six-month mission as crewmembers of Expedition 56/57.

As the launch approaches, David Saint-Jacques is participating in pre-launch activities. These include crew fit checks, traditional events, the roll-out of the Soyuz and a crew news conference.

Once Expedition 56/57 takes off successfully with Alexander Gerst aboard, David Saint-Jacques will continue to prepare for his forthcoming mission to the International Space Station in December 2018 as part of the crew of Expedition 58/59.

• For more information about the Soyuz.
• For more information on David Saint-Jacques' mission, check out the CSA's Mission Website.
• For b-roll footage of David Saint-Jacques, access our ftp site.
• For more information on the launch of Expedition 56/57, check out NASA TV. Video files of some activities will be available.

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Contact information

Canadian Space Agency
Media Relations Office
Telephone: 450-926-4370
Email: ASC.Medias-Media.CSA@canada.ca
Website: asc-csa.gc.ca
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