Sask. pilot one step closer to becoming an astronaut

The race to space is down to 32 with Bruno, Saskatchewan’s Jason Leuschen still in the running to become one of two new Canada Space Agency astronauts.
 
The finalists started training a few months ago according to Leuschen, who tweeted it felt like the Hunger Games.

“The selection testing we did at the last centre, and that we’re to do next, they want to keep you off balance and under stress the whole time,” he told 650 CKOM. “They’re looking to make cuts.”
 
When it comes to what’s next for the 32 candidates, Leuschen said it’s hard to know, and kept secret until they get there to keep them on their toes.
 
 

The CSA Hunger Games continues! Any guesses on what challenges await us in the next round? #BeTheNextCDNastro https://t.co/DBhUgMkJ9e

— Jason Leuschen (@Jason_Leuschen) March 3, 2017

 Not knowing what to expect doesn’t bother Leuschen much, he said it’s very similar to when he was training to be a Canadian Air Force pilot.
 
“It kind of just frees your mind,” Leuschen said. “you don’t worry if you completely screw up the task because you don’t actually know what they’re testing for.”
 
Since he was named a finalist for the job Leuschen has heard from old friends from Bruno on social media, where he’s chronically his training.
 
The Canadian Space Agency is set to announce the two winners this summer.