Parents of Canada's First Moon-Bound Astronaut Brace for Historic Liftoff
As Canada prepares to send its first astronaut to orbit the moon, the parents of Colonel Jeremy Hansen are experiencing a mix of pride, anticipation, and natural parental concern. The historic mission, part of NASA's Artemis program, represents not just a national achievement but a deeply personal family milestone.
From Star Wars Lunchbox to Space Suit
Jeremy Hansen's journey to becoming Canada's first lunar astronaut began with humble origins. His parents recall that on his very first day of school, young Jeremy carried a Star Wars lunchbox—an early hint of his fascination with exploration and distant worlds. That childhood enthusiasm for space and adventure has now culminated in his selection for one of humanity's most ambitious contemporary space missions.
The Artemis II mission, scheduled for no earlier than September 2025, will see Hansen become the first non-American to travel to lunar orbit. He will join three NASA astronauts on a approximately 10-day journey that will take them around the moon and back to Earth, testing critical systems for future lunar landings.
A Family's Emotional Preparation
"We're incredibly proud, but of course there's that natural worry that comes with being parents," shared Hansen's mother in a recent family interview. "We've watched him progress through his military career, his astronaut training, and now this—it's been an extraordinary journey."
The Hansen family has been closely involved in Jeremy's space career from the beginning. They've witnessed his progression from Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot to Canadian Space Agency astronaut selection in 2009, through to his extensive training for this historic mission.
"He always had that spark," his father noted. "Even as a boy, he was fascinated by how things worked, by exploration, by pushing boundaries. We encouraged that curiosity, but never imagined it would lead to the moon."
Canada's Growing Space Legacy
Hansen's mission represents a significant milestone for Canada's space program. As the first Canadian to travel to lunar orbit, he follows in the footsteps of other Canadian space pioneers while breaking new ground for the nation's space ambitions.
The Canadian Space Agency has been a key partner in the Artemis program, contributing the Canadarm3 robotic system for the Lunar Gateway station. Hansen's participation underscores Canada's growing role in international space exploration and the value of sustained investment in space science and technology.
Training for the Unknown
In preparation for the mission, Hansen has undergone extensive training that includes:
- Simulated lunar orbit scenarios and emergency procedures
- Intensive spacecraft systems familiarization
- Team coordination exercises with his NASA crewmates
- Physical conditioning for the demands of spaceflight
- Psychological preparation for extended isolation and mission pressures
His family has been briefed on mission protocols and safety measures, helping to alleviate some concerns while acknowledging the inherent risks of space exploration.
A Nation Watches Together
As launch preparations continue, the Hansen family joins all Canadians in anticipating this historic moment. Their personal story reflects the broader national pride in Canada's space achievements and the human dimension of technological progress.
"We know he's in good hands with NASA and the Canadian Space Agency," Hansen's parents expressed. "And we know how much this means not just to our family, but to all Canadians who dream of exploration and discovery."
The mission represents both a personal triumph for the Hansen family and a national achievement for Canada, marking the country's entry into a new era of lunar exploration nearly sixty years after humans first reached the moon.
