Jeremy Hansen spoke with reporters after arriving with his crew at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on March 27, 2026. AP Photo
Jeremy Hansen made history after launching aboard the Artemis II mission from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The rocket lifted off with power and excitement, marking the start of a 10-day journey around the moon.
Just before liftoff, Hansen shared a message that captured the spirit of the mission: “We’re going for all humanity.”
A First for Canada
Hansen, a 50-year-old from London, Ontario, now stands as the first non-American astronaut to travel beyond low Earth orbit. He serves as mission specialist alongside a team of experienced astronauts.
His crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch. Together, they will travel farther into space than humans have in decades.
A Journey Beyond Earth
The Artemis II mission will take the crew around the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. During the trip, the astronauts will also see the far side of the moon, a view that few humans have ever witnessed.
The mission faced earlier delays due to technical checks, but the launch moved forward successfully after final adjustments.
A Proud Moment Across Canada
People across Canada gathered to watch the launch, celebrating a moment of national pride. Many saw Hansen’s journey as a shared achievement.
For his family, the moment carried deep emotion. Before boarding the spacecraft, Hansen shared a final goodbye with his loved ones, telling them, “I love you,” and offering a thumbs-up before heading to the launch pad.
A Family’s Long Journey
Hansen’s path to space began many years ago. His wife, Catherine Hansen, recalled how he first shared his dream of becoming an astronaut. At the time, she thought it sounded unlikely, but soon realized how serious he was.
Over the years, they worked together to support each other’s goals. Their partnership helped him reach this milestone after more than a decade of preparation.
She described the moment as deeply emotional, saying the family expected a mix of excitement, joy, and fear as they watched the launch.
Support from Across the Country
Hansen’s journey reflects years of service and dedication. Before joining the space program, he worked as a fighter pilot and later became part of the Canadian Space Agency.
Leaders from the military and space community praised his achievement, highlighting his commitment and hard work.
Even King Charles III sent his good wishes, calling the mission a meaningful step for humanity.
A Symbolic Mission
Hansen carried a special mission patch designed by an Indigenous artist. The design includes symbols that represent Canadian values, his family, and his service. It also reflects traditional teachings and honours the people who supported his journey.
A Canadian flag on the patch stands as a reminder that the mission represents the entire country.
Looking Ahead
As the mission continues, Hansen plans to share his experience with Canadians. His family says he hopes people will feel connected to the journey and see it as a shared moment.
This mission marks not just a personal achievement, but a milestone for Canada’s role in space exploration.
