All 13 astronauts aboard the International Space Station crowded together for a public appearance Sunday, including Canadians Julie Payette and Bob Thirsk, who spoke about Canada's "critical role."

Thirsk, who is on a six-month mission, said the Canadian Space Agency has found success with its robotic tools like the Canadarm2.

"Canada is the smallest partner among the space station partnership, but we probably play one of the more critical roles," he said. "The space station could not be assembled -- it could not be maintained -- without the Canadian robotic systems.

"I think it's smarter for Canada, being a smaller country by population, to focus on niche areas of expertise. We can't afford to have launch systems like some of the larger space-faring countries. So I think we should stick with our strategy."

Thirsk also spoke about an upcoming Canadian visitor to the ISS: Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte, who spent a reported $35 million for the opportunity.

Laliberte is scheduled to visit the space station at the end of September. Thirsk said an artist like Laliberte would better be able to communicate what it's like to live in space.

"Most of us have aviation or engineering or scientific or medical backgrounds, and you need to have these kinds of backgrounds to operate the technical systems and the payloads on board a space vehicle," said Thirsk.

"But I think as astronauts we have responsibilities to share these experiences with the public at home. I lack some of the artistic skills that Mr. Laliberte has, and I'm hoping he'll be able to communicate that experience of living and working in space."

Payette said the astronauts have had a heavy workload on the ISS, giving her little time to wonder if it may be her last shuttle mission. But she remained optimistic she would return.

"Unless I did a very poor job on this flight, I think there's a good chance I'll still be employed when I get back on the ground," she joked. "So there is a chance I'll be back to live on the space station. I surely hope so."

The appearance followed a busy day for the group. Earlier, they returned a cargo carrier from the Kibo laboratory to the shuttle Endeavour's payload bay.

Endeavour Commander Mark Polansky, alongside Payette, used the shuttle's robotic arm to grab a payload carrier from Mark Hurley and Tim Kopra, who used the Canadarm2 to remove the carrier from the laboratory.

The cargo carrier, which was used to transport items for installation at the lab, will return to earth with the Endeavour when it leaves the space station on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Chris Cassidy and Tom Marshburn embarked checked their spacesuits and tool kits to prepare for Monday's fifth and final spacewalk.

The crew began the day with music selected by Payette: George Frederic Handel's "Dixit Dominus."

Later this evening, many Canadians should be able to get a good look at the shuttle and space station.

Residents in southern Ontario, southern Quebec and parts of Atlantic Canada will get the best views, provided that skies are clear.

The shuttle and space station should come into view at 9:26 p.m. ET and remain visible for up to four minutes.

They will first become visible in the west and then travel south-southeast.

According to astronomers, the vessels will appear as a bright star moving at the speed of an airplane.

Payette and the rest of the Endeavour crew are scheduled to undock on Tuesday and return to earth.