Making Canadian history: Jeremy Hansen prepares to fly on Artemis 2.

Jeremy Hansen will be the first Canadian to travel around the moon as a member of the Artemis 2 crew, and the mission could launch as soon as April 1.

Jeremy Hansen will become the first Canadian to travel around the moon as a member of the Artemis 2 crew. He was selected by the Canadian Space Agency in 2009 and waited 14 years for a flight assignment while supporting other missions and projects. Canada’s contribution of the Canadarm3 robotic arm secured a seat on Artemis 2, and Hansen’s selection reflects decades of Canadian work in space technology and policy. The Artemis 2 crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and the mission could launch as soon as April 1. Key facts about Hansen and Artemis 2: - Jeremy Hansen was selected by the Canadian Space Agency in 2009 and is reported to be the first Canadian to fly around the moon on Artemis 2. - The crew announced for Artemis 2 includes Reid Wiseman (commander), Victor Glover (pilot) and Christina Koch (mission specialist). - Canada’s seat on the mission is tied to its contribution of the Canadarm3 robotic arm; the CSA has contributed under 3% to ISS activities historically. - Hansen has supported other missions, helped develop tools to repair a dark-matter detector on the ISS, and managed training schedules for the 2017 astronaut class. - Hansen has spoken about Indigenous influences on his mission patch, designed by Anishinaabe artist Henry Guimond, which incorporates animals representing seven sacred laws. Summary: Hansen’s planned flight is presented as a milestone for Canada and a reflection of long-term investment in space technology and partnerships. The next major step reported is the Artemis 2 launch window, which could open as soon as April 1, and the mission is described as helping to set the stage for Artemis 4 and future lunar activities.