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Canada’s First Astronaut and Former Foreign Minister Marc Garneau Passes Away.

Obituary | Dated: 11 Jun 2025

In June 2025, Marc Garneau, Canada’s first astronaut and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, passed away at the age of 76 in Canada. Born on February 23, 1949, in Quebec City, he leaves behind a legacy that spans space exploration, politics, and public service.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - In 1984, Garneau made history by becoming the first Canadian to travel to space, flying aboard NASA’s Space Shuttle Challenger during the STS-41-G mission. This milestone marked Canada’s entry into human spaceflight.
  • - Garneau completed a total of three spaceflights: STS-41-G (1984), STS-77 (1996), and STS-97 (2000), contributing significantly to international space missions as part of NASA's space shuttle program.
  • - Transitioning to public service, Garneau served as a Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) for a Montreal-area riding from 2008 to 2023. His long political career was marked by dedication to science, infrastructure, and international diplomacy.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Garneau held key cabinet positions under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, including Minister of Transport from 2015 to 2021, and later, Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2021, where he represented Canada on the global stage.
  • (ii) In recognition of his historic spaceflight, Garneau was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1984—one of the nation’s highest civilian honours. He also received the Order of Quebec for his contributions to science and public service.
  • (iii) Between 2001 and 2005, Garneau served as President of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), where he played a pivotal role in advancing Canada’s space programs and international collaborations. He also received three NASA Space Flight Medals for his missions.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which Canadian personality, known for being the first Canadian in space and a former cabinet minister, recently passed away?

Correct Answer: Marc Garneau

🚀 Quick Recap: