Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen Prepares for Historic Artemis II Mission

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is making final preparations for his upcoming mission to the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis II program. Scheduled for launch in February 2026, this mission marks a significant milestone, being the first crewed lunar mission since the Apollo program concluded in 1972. The team will spend approximately ten days in space, making it a condensed yet critical voyage for space exploration.

Hansen, who has dedicated the past two-and-a-half years to training for this mission, expressed his excitement and the emotional weight of the journey ahead. “I know that after I launch and come back, I’m going to miss what I’m doing right now,” he remarked in a recent interview. The crew will consist of seasoned astronauts: Reid Wiseman as commander, Victor Glover as pilot, and Christina Koch as another mission specialist, alongside Hansen.

Mission Details and Challenges

The Artemis II mission will utilize the Orion spacecraft, which has been named “Integrity” by the crew. This spacecraft will approach the Moon and orbit it before returning to Earth. The mission’s structure, while shorter than the six-month stints typically seen on the International Space Station, poses unique challenges.

Mission control has planned a detailed itinerary for each of the ten days in space, which Wiseman described as “very, very condensed.” The astronauts will share a living space within the Orion capsule, which has a habitable volume of 330 cubic feet, comparable to the interior of two minivans. This limited space will require the crew to work closely together, adapting to unexpected stresses while maintaining a focus on their mission objectives.

The mission also holds symbolic significance. If successful, Hansen will become the first non-American to travel beyond low Earth orbit. Glover will be the first person of colour to enter this realm, and Koch will be the first woman to accomplish the same feat. Additionally, Hansen’s participation marks his inaugural flight since joining the astronaut corps in 2009.

Preparation and Canadian Contributions

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is deeply involved in the Artemis program, showcasing Canada’s growing role in space exploration. Jenni Gibbons, another Canadian astronaut, has been appointed as Hansen’s backup and will serve as CAPCOM, facilitating communication between mission control and the crew.

Nutrition is a critical component of the mission, with the team set to consume carefully planned meals that meet the constraints of space travel. Astronauts will eat rehydratable and thermostabilized food items, avoiding canned goods due to their weight. Notably, the crew will enjoy five Canadian delicacies, including pure maple syrup, smoked salmon bites, and shrimp curry with rice.

Physical fitness will be crucial during the mission. The astronauts will engage in both cardiovascular and resistance training using a specially designed flywheel device. Hansen, standing at six feet two inches, humorously noted the cramped conditions this may create when exercising.

The excitement surrounding the Artemis II mission is palpable within the CSA, as it represents a pivotal moment for Canadian space exploration. Hansen plans to carry with him small pendants inscribed with “moon and back,” representing his family’s support during this extraordinary journey.

As preparations continue, the focus shifts to the future, including the upcoming Artemis III mission, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon’s surface for the first time in over fifty years. This mission has been delayed until at least mid-2027 and promises to include a woman and a person of colour on board. The Artemis IV mission will also be notable, as it will establish the Gateway lunar space station, featuring a Canadian contribution in the form of Canadarm 3.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 4, 2025.