Canada is going to the Moon! Our country is part of the NASA-led Lunar Gateway program, and the Junior Astronauts campaign will allow Canadian youth to test their skills and knowledge, understand how they can play a role in this important endeavour and get excited about space and science.

How does it work?

It's easy! Activities that are designed for youth in grades 6 to 9 and focused on three streams — science and technology, fitness and nutrition, and communications and teamwork — are available on the Junior Astronauts portal. Designed to be run in schools or youth organizations during school year 2019 - 2020 , these activities are:

curriculum-friendly: all proposed activities have been designed to build skills targeted in existing curricula from across the country.

all proposed activities have been designed to build skills targeted in existing curricula from across the country. free to download, low cost to run: little to no materials required.

little to no materials required. customizable: select all activities from all streams, or just a few – you choose!

select all activities from all streams, or just a few – you choose! adaptable: activities can be tailored to a range of group sizes and ability levels.

activities can be tailored to a range of group sizes and ability levels. linked to astronaut missions: get youth excited about their future in science, technology, engineering, and math through space – a universe of possibilities awaits!

get youth excited about their future in science, technology, engineering, and math through space – a universe of possibilities awaits! and beyond: encourage your youngsters to strengthen cross-curricular competencies with fun, interactive ways to highlight the importance of healthy living and team-building skills.

View the activities Collaborators

Canadian Space Agency astronauts Jenni Sidey-Gibbons and David Saint-Jacques, along with grade 6 student Hannah, invite Canadian educators and youth in grades 6 to 9 to register to the Junior Astronauts campaign. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency) Transcript

Educators! Enter our contest!

Educators who complete at least one stream activity with their group can enter a draw to win a visit from an astronaut or space expert for their school or organization. We will randomly select institutions from every province and territory. The more streams you participate in, the more chances you'll get (up to three)!

How to win a visit

Kids! Become a junior astronaut!

The Canadian Space Agency ( CSA )'s Junior Astronaut Recruitment is a national recruitment for youth who have participated in all three streams. Qualified participants from every province and territory will be chosen randomly to take part in a camp in August 2020 , at CSA headquarters in Saint-Hubert, Quebec. During the camp, they will join astronauts, scientists and engineers for a week of space training!

More about the recruitment and camp

Stay informed!

Parents and educators can sign up for our email distribution list to receive the latest news about the Junior Astronauts campaign.

Register for our email list

Want to know even more?

You read the pages above, but have more questions? Consult our Terms and conditions and Frequently Asked Questions for more details.

Terms and conditions Frequently Asked Questions

Not in the right age group?

Fun activities are also available on our website for youth from K to 12, educators and parents – no registration required! Check them out! Visit often because we will continue to add to these.

Educational activities

Help us spread the word!

Organizations, associations, collaborators and media that would like to promote the Junior Astronauts campaign to Canadian youth, educators, parents and youth group leaders can find visuals and informational materials in our online information kit.

Information kit