Canada's Hansen Set to Make History as First Canadian Around the Moon

NEW YORK, NY – November 18, 2025

A Giant Leap for Canada

In early 2026, the world will witness a pivotal moment in space exploration as NASA’s Artemis II mission embarks on a journey around the Moon. Central to this historic flight is Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who will become the first Canadian to ever orbit Earth’s celestial neighbor. This mission isn’t just a technological feat; it represents a culmination of years of planning, international collaboration, and a significant investment in Canada’s burgeoning space program.

“This is a moment of immense national pride,” stated one industry observer. “For decades, Canada has been a reliable partner in space exploration, but this mission solidifies our position as a major player, capable of contributing meaningfully to deep space endeavors.”

Hansen, a former fighter pilot with extensive training in extreme environments, brings a wealth of experience to the Artemis II crew. His selection is a testament to Canada’s rigorous astronaut training program and its commitment to providing highly skilled personnel for demanding space missions. The mission will see Hansen and his three crewmates – all NASA astronauts – venturing farther into space than any humans have since the Apollo program.

Investment and Strategic Partnerships

Canada’s participation in Artemis II isn’t merely symbolic. It’s underpinned by a substantial commitment to the program, most notably through the development of Canadarm3, a state-of-the-art robotic arm destined for the Lunar Gateway, a planned space station orbiting the Moon. Canadarm3 is designed to facilitate scientific research, support lunar surface operations, and enable commercial activities in deep space.

“The investment in Canadarm3 isn’t just about hardware,” explained a space policy analyst. “It’s about securing long-term access to the Moon for Canadian astronauts and ensuring that Canadian technology plays a crucial role in the future of lunar exploration.” The development of Canadarm3, a multi-billion dollar project, has fostered innovation within the Canadian aerospace industry and created high-skilled jobs across the country.

Beyond Canadarm3, Canada’s commitment to the Artemis program also involves contributions to other key technologies and expertise, as well as active participation in international collaborations with agencies like the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This collaborative approach demonstrates Canada’s belief in the power of shared resources and collective ambition in achieving ambitious space exploration goals.

Beyond the Launch: A Vision for the Future

The Artemis II mission is more than just a single flight; it’s a stepping stone towards a broader vision of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon and eventually venturing onward to Mars. The data gathered during the flight will be crucial for validating new technologies, assessing the risks of deep space travel, and refining the strategies for future missions.

The Lunar Gateway, where Canadarm3 will be deployed, is envisioned as a vital hub for lunar operations, providing a staging ground for missions to the lunar surface and a platform for conducting scientific research in the unique environment of deep space. The Gateway will also serve as a testing ground for technologies that will be essential for future missions to Mars.

“This is about pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers,” one official stated. “The Artemis program has the potential to unlock incredible discoveries and create opportunities for innovation that will benefit all of humanity.” The Artemis Accords, a set of principles guiding international cooperation in space exploration, further solidify the commitment to peaceful and sustainable exploration of the Moon and beyond. This framework promotes transparency, interoperability, and the sharing of resources among participating nations.

Canada's involvement isn't simply limited to hardware and astronaut participation. There's a growing emphasis on leveraging space technologies for terrestrial applications, such as Earth observation, resource management, and disaster response. The data and expertise gained through the Artemis program can be applied to address pressing challenges on Earth, creating economic benefits and improving the quality of life for Canadians.