Astronaut Jeremy Hansen Says Artemis II Proves Canada Can ‘Do Big Things’
TORONTO (AP) — Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen said NASA’s Artemis II mission proves Canada can achieve big goals. He made the comments in a post-mission interview after the crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2026.
The 10-day test flight marked the first human lunar flyby in more than 50 years. It launched from Kennedy Space Center in Fla. on April 1, 2026, and validated deep-space systems for future lunar missions, NASA officials said. The agency led the effort with international partners, including the Canadian Space Agency.
Hansen credited past and present Canadian visionaries for enabling his participation. He said the mission should inspire the country to set ambitious targets, adding that Canadians often limit themselves and need to pursue larger endeavors.
“What this should do is shine a spotlight on what we’re capable of as a country ... I do think we keep ourselves small ... we need to do big things,” Hansen told Global News in an interview.
The crew included NASA commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency. Hansen became the first non-American to fly around the moon, according to NASA records. The mission achieved a record distance from Earth for humans and captured new images of the lunar surface from previously unseen areas, the agency reported.
The Space Launch System rocket lifted off at 6:35 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. The Orion spacecraft carried the crew on a lunar flyby with a close approach to the moon. No major issues occurred, validating the technology for Artemis III and beyond, according to agency statements. Splashdown happened near San Diego, Calif.
Hansen emphasized the mission’s long-term buildup over decades. Former NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson described it as proof of renewed lunar capability. “We proved that we can do it again,” Anderson said in a CTV News report.
The flight followed the uncrewed Artemis I mission and built on Apollo-era accomplishments. The last crewed lunar mission occurred in 1972. Artemis II served as a precursor to sustained lunar presence. NASA plans to establish the Gateway outpost with international contributions, and Canada has committed to providing components under partnership agreements.
The crew announcement happened in April 2023. The mission demonstrated reliable human spaceflight technology for deep space, contrasting with commercial efforts by companies like SpaceX. NASA called it an “overwhelming success” in official releases.
The flight spurred discussions on national ambition in Canada, where space contributions include the Canadarm robotic system. Hansen’s role underscored international collaboration. As the first Canadian lunar astronaut, he represented the Canadian Space Agency’s involvement.
The Artemis program aims to prepare for Mars after lunar goals, reviving human exploration post-Apollo. Officials noted the mission’s inspirational impact, particularly for Canada. Hansen urged setting “big goals” to counter perceptions of risk aversion in the country’s space sector.
Technical performance data showed the SLS and Orion met expectations. The flyby involved a low passage around the moon without full orbit insertion, per NASA logs. Crew health appeared stable post-splashdown, with no reported issues.
Artemis II opened the path for Artemis III, planned as a lunar landing. The program includes plans for lunar nuclear reactors. Hansen’s comments tied into ongoing momentum for international space partnerships.
The mission’s success prompted calls for increased Canadian funding in space. Next goals for the Canadian Space Agency remain unspecified, but Hansen’s flight sets a precedent. Images from the mission offered new views of lunar regions, supplementing prior probe data.
Officials expect the achievement to inspire future generations. Canada’s participation builds on decades of contributions to space station programs. The event marked a milestone in human spaceflight history.
Sources included NASA official releases and media interviews. Global News provided Hansen’s direct quotes. CTV News featured Anderson’s assessment. Space.com described the mission as the “opening act” for lunar return.
