Canada has taken a historic leap into deep space as Jeremy Hansen successfully launched toward the Moon aboard Artemis II at around 6:35 Eastern Time, on April 1, becoming the first Canadian ever to travel beyond Earth’s orbit on a lunar mission.
The launch marks a defining milestone not only for Hansen, but for Canada’s space program and its growing role in international exploration. For decades, Canadian astronauts have contributed to missions in low Earth orbit now, for the first time, one is headed into deep space.
Hansen, a colonel and experienced astronaut with the Canadian Space Agency, is flying as part of a four-person crew led by NASA. The Artemis II mission will carry the astronauts around the Moon and back, serving as a critical test flight for systems that will support future lunar landings.
In a statement following the successful launch, Mark Carney described the moment as historic and deeply symbolic for the country.
“Today, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Colonel Jeremy Hansen makes history as the first Canadian to venture to the Moon,” Carney said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Hansen’s journey represents both individual excellence and national achievement.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to Colonel Hansen’s exceptional skill, and to the decades of discipline, dedication, and perseverance that brought him to this moment. It is also a testament to Canada and our world-class science, our cutting-edge technology, and our remarkable astronauts,” he added.
Hansen’s presence on Artemis II underscores Canada’s longstanding partnership with NASA and its reputation as a trusted contributor to space exploration. The country has played a vital role in developing advanced robotics, including the Canadarm systems used on the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station.
Canada’s involvement in the Artemis program also includes contributions to the Lunar Gateway, a planned space station that will orbit the Moon and support future missions. Hansen’s flight is widely seen as recognition of those contributions and a sign of Canada’s expanding footprint in deep space exploration.
For many Canadians, this moment builds on a legacy shaped by pioneering astronauts such as Marc Garneau, the first Canadian in space; Roberta Bondar, the first Canadian woman in space; and Chris Hadfield, whose leadership aboard the International Space Station captured global attention.
While those missions helped define Canada’s presence in orbit, Hansen’s journey represents a new chapter one that pushes beyond Earth’s immediate surroundings and into deeper space.
Carney acknowledged that connection to history in his remarks, noting that Hansen “carries forward the legacy of those who came before him … and the dreams of every young Canadian watching today’s launch.”
Artemis II is the first crewed mission in NASA’s Artemis program, designed to return humans to the Moon for the first time since the Apollo era. Unlike future missions, Artemis II will not land on the lunar surface. Instead, it will orbit the Moon, testing navigation, life-support systems, and other critical technologies required for long-duration spaceflight.
The mission is expected to pave the way for Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon later this decade.
Across Canada, the launch was met with excitement and pride, as viewers watched Hansen’s spacecraft lift off and begin its journey into deep space. For many, the moment signals not just scientific progress, but possibility.
From classrooms to research labs, Hansen’s mission is already being seen as a source of inspiration for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
As the spacecraft continues its journey, Canada now finds itself part of a small group of nations reaching beyond Earth toward the Moon an achievement that reflects years of collaboration, innovation, and ambition.
About the Author
