Tim Haltigin, the former Canora area resident who is in the running to become a Canadian astronaut, credits much of his journey to the Canora Composite School, his fellow students and their teachers.

Tim is one of a special group of young people fostered by CCS teachers who had encouraged competition and achievement, his mother, Linda Osachoff, said last week when asked about her son having been named one of 70 astronaut candidates selected by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

Astronauts are modern-day explorers, said information on the CSA website. They courageously travel beyond the Earth to help acquire new scientific knowledge. Their courage and determination are an inspiration to many.

Despite their unique journeys, astronauts have a few things in common: an academic background in science or technology, excellent health and outstanding qualities and skills, the information said.

Born in Toronto, Haltigin was raised in Canora from nursery school until his graduation from CCS. Now living in Saint-Constant, Que., with his wife Melissa Triottier and two daughters, Nora, 5, and Sasha, 3, he obtained a bachelor of science degree in environmental geography from Concordia University, a masters degree in geography (fluvial geomorphology) from McGill University and a Ph.D in geography (periglacial geomorphology and comparative planetology) from McGill. He is the senior mission scientist for planetary exploration for the CSA.

Readers of the Courier read about Haltigin in September when he was about to take part in the first NASA-led mission that will bring asteroid material to Earth. Heis part of the team which launched the satellite Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) on September 8 in order to take a sample of matter from the asteroid Bennu. The satellite consists of a camera system named OCAMS, a thermal emission spectrometer named OTES, a visible and infrared spectrometer known as OVIRS, an X-ray named REXIS, and the laser altimeter known as OLA, of which Haltigin is the mission manager.

The satellite will reach the asteroid in July of 2018 and use OLA to measure the shape and surface of the asteroid, which is 492 metres in diameter and spins like a top, according to Haltigin. The laser altimeter will take about a billion different measurements in order to find an area that is safe for the spacecraft to take a sample. Once an acceptable spot is found, the satellite will collect between 60g and two kg of dust and small fragments from the surface of the asteroid and should return with the sample in September of 2023.

As the senior mission scientist for planetary exploration with the CSA, I get to work helping Canada find new and different ways to understand the evolution of objects in the solar system, he said, adding that he gets to plan Canadian contributions to future missions, and to design and run student exercises that help train the next generation of Canadian planetary scientists and engineers.

Becoming an astronaut represents two of the values I hold most dear: the constant pursuit of knowledge and using that knowledge to inspire those around you, he said. Essentially, the job description is to learn how to do awesome things and then share it with people afterwards.

I have always loved taking on new and exciting challenges, whether in science, sports, or music. Not only have I benefitted greatly from all of the experience I've gained, but I've particularly appreciated the opportunities I've had to share my work and hopefully help out a few people along the way.

Astronauts are modern-day explorers, the CSA website says. They courageously travel beyond the Earth to help discover new scientific knowledge. Their courage and determination are an inspiration to many. Their unique experience helps advance scientific research and technology development.

Canada's active astronauts support space missions in progress and prepare for a future mission by taking extensive training, it said. They mainly work at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. However, they return to Canada periodically to participate in various activities and encourage young Canadians to pursue their education in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Growing up at the time he did, most boys had wanted to be a superhero or a space guy, his mother said. He was interested, in the way lots of young people are: with boundless enthusiasm.

Tim showed a lot of qualities at a young age, she said. He was focused; academically, in sports and in music. He was a team player with friends and family.

Osachoff said that the first time she had noticed an interest that could have led to his desire to become an astronaut was one time when he had come home from university in Montreal and he had stood aside, with his head looking straight up at the beautiful winter sky for about 15 minutes.

But, it had started with his interest in water and geography, which opened many channels, she said, shaking her head at the thought of the many theses that she had been asked to proofread for her son.

Hisfirst research had focused on the study of malaria, but eventually he had decided to switch degrees to geography, and studied rivers and trout habitats.

While completing his masters degree, some friends of his entered a contest held by the European Space Agency. Teams were instructed to determine how scientists could find water on Mars, and Haltigins friends asked him to join in. Their team eventually travelled to Barcelona, Spain for the finals, and the professor organizing the team asked Haltigin if hed like to pursue a PhD on the nature of Mars.

He then did research up north, Osachoff said, referringto her sons research that had led him to make nine expeditions beyond the Arctic Circle in order to compare the conditions of the land and climate to Mars. The expeditions were funded by the CSA, which allowed him to make contact with people involved in space research, and just before graduating, he decided to apply for work in the agency.

Asked how his grandparents, the late Evelyn and Bill Osachoff, might have received the news of their grandsons pursuits, Linda said that they had been very close to him and were a part of his upbringing.

Tim had qualities early that indicated that he would be able to do anything he had wanted, she said, adding that her son remains very humble and thanks his blessings for his opportunities.

Having spoken to her son recently, Linda said that he had told her that no matter what happens, he has become a better person with the self examination, rigorous training, both mental and physical, and for having met many peers across the country.

Asked how she feels, thinking that one day she may very well be looking at the sky, knowing that her son is out there beyond the Earth, and Linda said she vacillates between pride and panic.

After all, that is the final frontier, she said, adding that she was reminded that at a recent family get-together around a bonfire, Tim had his daughter on his lap and together they were looking at the sky. He was pointing out to her the satellites and the International Space Station as they had moved across the sky.

When Tim had asked his mother for advice regarding his possible selection as an astronaut, Linda said she had told him to remember the music festivals.

Focus on your unique skills, dont over prepare and save the thunder for the final performance, she had told him.

Tim is a great communicator. Hes down to earth, a sound guy and a joker, she said, adding that as he works with the CSA, he will be on speaking tours.

Osachoff is currently the CEO of Crossroads Credit Union in Canora. She and her husband Alfredo Converso operate La Compangna Bed and Breakfast near Mikado.

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Former Mikado resident named candidate for Canadian Space Agency astronaut - Kamsack Times