Jeremy HansenHundreds of local students are getting the chance to hear from a Canadian astronaut today (Friday).  

Lt Col. Jeremy Hansen is in the city to speak about his journey, what it takes to become an astronaut and he’ll touch on life in space too. 

While he’s awaiting a flight assignment, Hansen works with NASA’s Astronaut Training Branch and as Capcom, the voice between the ground and the International Space Station, at NASA’s Mission Control Centre.  

Mayor Al McDonald says this all works into their strategy of developing an aerospace and aviation sector in North Bay. 

He also says the ultimate goal is to inspire youth to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.  

McDonald says they believe there’s another future scientist just waiting to be inspired, so they’re looking to put people, like astronauts, in front of these local students who can do just that.