Former astronaut Julie Payette will be Canada's next Governor General.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement Thursday on Parliament Hill, with the 53-year old Payette in attendance.  

Payette, who is from Montreal, trained at 15 Wing Moose Jaw on the Tutor jet in 1996 as part of her preparations for space travel. 

Payette served as chief astronaut for the Canadian Space Agency from 2000 to 2007. 

She will replace David Johston, who will relinquish the post in September.