President of the Canadian Space Agency, Steve MacLean, has chosen to step down from his position from February 1, 2013 after serving the organization for five years. MacLean was one of the initial six Canadian astronauts who had joined Canadian Astronaut Program in 1983.
Appreciating his efforts for the organization since 2008 in the top role, Canadian Space Agency stated in an announcement that, “During his tenure as president, he was devoted as an accomplished physicist, astronaut and administrator to advancing the Canadian Space Program”.
The Federal Minister for Industry, Christan Paradis also appreciated and thanked MacLean for his services and efforts for vocally supporting the value of space exploration and technology.
In a statement, Paradis said that, “Over his impressive career, Dr. MacLean has made significant contributions to Canada’s leadership role in space. As one of Canada’s most accomplished astronauts and as president of the Canadian Space Agency, he has supported space innovation and demonstrated his passion for science literacy.
“I want to personally thank him for his dedicated work and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
It is believed that MacLean is leaving the Space Agency to take a position at a venture created by Mike Lazaridis, the ex-CEO and co-founder of Blackberry maker Research In Motion. Numerous sources informed have leaked information to the Canadian Press and stated that the 58 years old MacLean will work in Lazaridis’ Premier Institute for Theoretical Physics located in Waterloo, Ontorio.
However, late on Tuesday a spokesperson of this institute said that the former Canadian astronaut would work in a new venture that involves several groups working on quantum physics. The institution is part of an “innovation ecosystem” in Waterloo, John Matlock added.
Premier Institute stated in a note that it is pleased to see someone of MacLean’s talent attracted by the technology cluster in the area. The institute also added in the statement that, “We look forward to collaborating with him and other partners who are building the Quantum Valley”.
Source: OBJ
Photo: MacLean
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