Article content

Former astronaut Julie Payette is reported to be the next governor general.

The 53-year-old Montreal native will be introduced Thursday as the Queen’s new representative, CBC News said.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Former astronaut Julie Payette to be next governor general: CBC report Back to video

“Oh my goodness, you know a lot more than I do,” Payette told a CBC reporter who tracked her down at a downtown Ottawa hotel.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to make the announcement outside the doors of the Senate with Payette by his side.

Payette is a computer engineer who participated in two flights to the International Space Station after she was selected in 1992 as one of four new astronauts with the Canadian Space Agency.

She served as the agency’s chief astronaut for seven years, starting in 2000.

A francophone who speaks six languages, she is also an athlete and musician. She acquired a commercial pilot licence in preparation for her space mission.

She is married and has two sons.

Photo by John Major/Postmedia/File

She will succeed Gov. Gen. David Johnston in the post, which pays $290,000 a year and comes with a residence, Rideau Hall.