The Canadian Space Agency (CSA), has announced that Jeremy Hansen will be the first Canadian Space Agency astronaut to fly around the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis II mission. This historic crewed mission to the Moon will be the first since the end of the Apollo program 50 years ago.

Hansen was born in 1976 in London, Ontario, and trained as a fighter pilot. He has expressed great pride about his upcoming mission.

“Being part of the Artemis II crew is both exciting and humbling. I’m excited to leverage my experience, training, and knowledge to take on this challenging mission on behalf of Canada,” Hansen said.

“I’m humbled by the incredible contributions and hard work of so many Canadians that have made this opportunity a reality. I am proud and honoured to represent my country on this historic mission.”

Over the last four decades, Canada’s astronauts have earned a world-class reputation as modern-day explorers while being a source of inspiration to countless Canadians.

Building on this legacy, Jeremy Hansen will be an important asset to the Artemis II crew thanks to his leadership, integrity and outstanding operational skills.

The launch of Artemis II, expected to take place next year, will make Canada the second country to ever send an astronaut around the Moon.

Artemis II will pave the way for humanity’s sustainable presence on the lunar surface and inspire a new generation of Canadians to join the thrill and excitement of space exploration and discovery.

Click here to read Jeremy Hansen’s biography

Click here to read more about the Artemis Program

Photos: Canadian Space Agency