From left: Artemis II backup crewmembers NASA astronaut Andre Douglas and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jenni Gibbons and prime crewmembers NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, and NASA astronaut Christina Koch, pose for a picture with NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, secured to the mobile launcher, as it makes the 4.2 mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Via NASA/Joel Kowsky

Artemis II crew on way to moon with Canadian Jeremy Hansen

By Caitlin Snow Apr 1, 2026 | 8:04 PM

For the first time in half a century, astronauts are on their way to the moon and this time, with a Canadian on board.

In a historic moment from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Wednesday evening, Artemis II successfully blasted off into space.

Forty-seven-year-old Jeremy Hansen is part of the crew of four who have embarked on a ten-day mission to fly around the moon and back. Hansen is mission specialist and the first Canadian to ever make the journey.

The successful launch of Artemis II marks the first manned mission to the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.

While on the journey, the astronauts will take observations and pictures to prepare for the Artemis III mission.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says is a remarkable achievement that Canada is now only the second nation on earth to send an astronaut on a lunar mission.

“This moment reminds us of what Canada has always been: a nation of explorers, builders, and innovators,” says Carney in a statement.

“Colonel Hansen carries forward the legacy of those who came before him – Marc Garneau, Roberta Bondar, Chris Hadfield – and the dreams of every young Canadian watching today’s launch.”

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