Julie Payette

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Julie Payette stands as a rare figure who achieved excellence in both high-stakes scientific exploration and the highest office of the Canadian state. Her induction into the Order of Canada as a Companion represents one of the nation's highest civilian honours. She was the first Canadian to board the International Space Station, a feat that placed her among the most accomplished individuals in Canadian aerospace history. Her recognition by NASA with the Exceptional Service Medal underscores her critical role in international space cooperation. While her tenure as Governor General ended in controversy, her scientific contributions remain undisputed milestones in Canadian achievement.

AwardsJulie Payette has received numerous prestigious honours recognizing her contributions to science, exploration, and public service. She was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2000 and later promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada in 2017. She received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 2000 for her work as CAPCOM. She also holds honorary doctorates from Université Laval, Université de Montréal, and the University of Waterloo.

Honours & Distinctions

Officer of the Order of Canada

Government of Canada·2000

Awarded for contributions to the Canadian Space Program

Companion of the Order of Canada

Government of Canada·2017

Promoted upon appointment as Governor General

NASA Exceptional Service Medal

NASA·2000

Recognized for work as CAPCOM and contributions to the Space Shuttle program

Canadian Forces Decoration

Canadian Armed Forces·Unknown

Received for service in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve

Records & Feats

First Canadian on ISS Assembly

Historic First·1999

Became the first Canadian to participate in an International Space Station assembly mission during STS-96

First Canadian to Board ISS

Historic First·2009

First Canadian to physically board the International Space Station during STS-127

Second Resigning Governor General

Political Milestone·2021

First Governor General to resign due to workplace conduct allegations