Jeremy Hansen will make history by becoming the first Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut to fly around the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis II mission.
Jeremy Hansen /Credit: Canadian Space Agency
The mission, set to launch next year, will be the first crewed mission to the Moon since the end of the Apollo program 50 years ago.
Jeremy Hansen will join NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch during Artemis II’s flight around the Moon in the Orion capsule.
Hansen’s flight around the Moon will be a significant milestone for Canada, making it the second country to have an astronaut circle the Moon.
Ontario native holds a bachelor’s degree in space science and a master’s degree in physics from the Royal Military College of Canada.
He has served as CF-18 fighter pilot with 441 Tactical Fighter Squadron and 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron as well as the Combat Operations Officer at 4 Wing Operations. He has received numerous honours and awards for his service, including the Canadian Forces Decoration and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Per the news release, Hansen’s selection for the Artemis II mission is a direct result of Canada’s contribution of Canadarm3 to the Lunar Gateway. The contribution provides Canada with opportunities for lunar science, technology demonstration, and commercial activities, as well as another flight to the Lunar Gateway. The Canadian government has confirmed funding of $1.43 billion to support lunar exploration missions, including the development of a lunar utility vehicle.
Credit: Canadian Space Agency
The Artemis II mission is expected to last approximately ten days and will test the Orion spacecraft’s systems adapted to meet the crew’s needs.
Following the Artemis II mission, Artemis III, set for 2025, will use a human lander to transport a crew of four astronauts to land on the Moon.