What we know about the mysteries of the universe depends on the talent of humans investigating what goes on in the skies above us.  

And educating and training the space explorers we call astronauts is a big part of Gordon Osinski’s work.  

“One of the most important aspects of my job is training astronauts,” says Osinski, professor of Earth sciences. “They need to be able to take a pretty good, educated guess when they’re flying over a planet, or hurtling around in a space station, at what they’re seeing.”

He emphasizes that understanding the geology of nearby celestial bodies, such as the moon and Mars, enables us to learn about the Earth’s origins and 4.5-billion year history, and one of humanity’s most enduring questions – is there life beyond our planet?

“Geology and that record in the rocks is the only way we can figure out how planets formed and whether there’s life out there.”

In 2023, Osinski became the only scientist from a Canadian institution selected to help train astronauts for Artemis III, NASA’s first human mission to the moon in 50 years set to launch in 2026.

“The minute the astronauts step out the door of that lander, they become geologists and have to know how to take samples and gather the information needed for scientists back on Earth.”

Getting them ready for that role is where Osinski’s teaching skills become invaluable.    

“Astronauts are at the top of their game – most are fighter pilots, doctors, engineers. For geology training, they condense years of study into mere weeks, and their sharp questions constantly push me to grow as a teacher. It’s demanding, but incredibly rewarding."

In addition to his teaching role, Osinski is a renowned space researcher. In 2022, he was named principal investigator and scientific lead for a Canadensys Aerospace project to design and build Canada’s first lunar rover. And for 25 years, he has dedicated his research to understanding impact craters – vast indentations caused by asteroids or comets that slam into planets, such as the 15-kilometre-wide rock that struck Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula 66 million years ago.  

Whether teaching astronauts, advancing geology research or developing new technologies, Osinski ultimately sees space exploration as a key driver of innovation.  

“We make discoveries, we find new materials, we teach and find new ways of doing things. A lot of the technologies we’ve developed for space have improved life on Earth, just by pushing the boundaries of what we can do.”