Jeremy Hansen Poised to Make Canadian Space History with Lunar Orbit
Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen is set to achieve a monumental milestone in space exploration, becoming the first Canadian to circle the moon. This historic event will occur as part of NASA's Artemis II mission, with a potential launch date as early as Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Mission Details and Historical Significance
The 50-year-old Hansen will serve as a mission specialist aboard the Orion spacecraft, joining three American astronauts for this groundbreaking 10-day journey that will cover approximately one million kilometres. This mission marks several historic firsts:
- Hansen will be the first non-American to ever participate in a lunar mission
- This represents the first crewed mission to the moon in over half a century
- The Artemis II mission follows the successful uncrewed Artemis I flight in 2022
During a crew press conference in Florida on January 17, 2026, Hansen expressed profound gratitude while viewing the Space Launch System rocket, stating to Canadian Geographic: "When I look at that rocket, and [think of the people who have] poured their heart and soul into this vehicle, it's truly extraordinary."
From Ontario Farm to Space Exploration
Born in London, Ontario, and raised on a farm near Ailsa Craig, Hansen's journey to space began with early aviation interests. At age 12, he joined the 614 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in London, earning his glider pilot wings at 16 and his private pilot licence at 17.
His educational and professional path includes:
- Graduating from Royal Military College Saint-Jean in Quebec
- Earning a bachelor's degree in honours space science from Royal Military College in Kingston in 1999
- Training as a fighter pilot and serving with tactical fighter squadrons
- Working as a combat operations officer responsible for NORAD operations effectiveness
Now a colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces, Hansen was selected in 2009 for the Canadian Space Agency's astronaut recruitment program and graduated from astronaut candidate training in 2011.
Path to Artemis II Leadership
Hansen's preparation for this mission has been extensive and groundbreaking in itself. Following years of specialized training in Italy and Florida, he achieved another Canadian first in 2017 by becoming the first Canadian to lead a NASA astronaut class, responsible for training candidates from both the United States and Canada.
His selection for the Artemis II mission came in April 2023, positioning him at the forefront of international space exploration efforts.
Artemis II Mission Objectives and Future Implications
The Artemis II mission represents a crucial step forward for NASA's space program, with significant objectives that include:
- Testing the Orion spacecraft's systems under crewed conditions
- Validating the Space Launch System rocket's capabilities with human passengers
- Paving the way for future missions that could eventually send crews to Mars
The mission will be commanded by Reid Wiseman, with Victor Glover serving as pilot, while Hansen and Christina Koch will function as mission specialists. Following their lunar orbit, the spacecraft is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego.
This mission not only represents a personal achievement for Hansen but also signifies Canada's growing role in international space exploration and the advancement of human knowledge beyond Earth's atmosphere.
