A Canadian is poised to make history, venturing further into the cosmos than any of his countrymen before. Jeremy Hansen will become the first Canadian to orbit the moon, a monumental achievement for both him and the nation.
Hansen is one of four astronauts selected for NASA’s Artemis II mission, a ten-day journey spanning a million kilometers. The launch, currently scheduled for as early as February 8th, marks the first crewed mission to the moon in over fifty years, a return to lunar exploration after a long hiatus.
Beyond national pride, Hansen’s inclusion breaks another barrier: he will be the first non-American to participate in a lunar mission. Standing near the towering rocket in Florida, he recently spoke of a profound sense of gratitude, acknowledging the dedication of the countless individuals who brought this mission to life.
Born on a farm near Ailsa Craig, Ontario, Hansen’s path to the stars began early. His childhood was rooted in the Canadian landscape, moving to Ingersoll during his high school years, and fostering a love for the outdoors – sailing, climbing, and mountain biking remain passions.
A fascination with flight ignited at age twelve when he joined the 614 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. Within four years, he’d earned his glider pilot wings, and at seventeen, his private pilot’s license, setting the stage for a career dedicated to the skies.
Hansen’s academic pursuits led him to the Royal Military College Saint-Jean and later, a bachelor’s degree in space science from the Royal Military College in Kingston. He then distinguished himself as a fighter pilot, serving with distinction and taking on critical roles in NORAD operations.
In 2009, Hansen was selected by the Canadian Space Agency for astronaut training, a rigorous process that would test his limits. He excelled, graduating in 2011 and quickly becoming an integral part of Mission Control in Houston.
His dedication and leadership were recognized in 2017 when he became the first Canadian to lead a NASA astronaut class, responsible for training candidates from both the U.S. and Canada. This pivotal role showcased his expertise and prepared him for the challenges ahead.
The Artemis II mission builds upon the success of the uncrewed Artemis I flight. It’s a critical test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft, paving the way for future missions, including the ultimate goal of sending crews to Mars.
Led by commander Reid Wiseman, with Victor Glover as pilot, Hansen and Christina Koch will serve as mission specialists, meticulously evaluating the Orion’s systems throughout the lunar orbit. Their work will be vital in ensuring the safety and success of future deep-space exploration.
Upon completion of their lunar flyby, the crew will return to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. This mission isn’t just about reaching the moon; it’s about pushing the boundaries of human exploration and inspiring a new generation of scientists and dreamers.
