Prime Minister Mark Carney extended a warm welcome to the Artemis II astronauts in Ottawa, praising their recent journey around the moon as an inspiration to all Canadians. Carney emphasized the values of teamwork, dedication, courage, and human ingenuity showcased by the astronauts, underscoring that this mission marks just the beginning of greater achievements.
During their visit to Ottawa and Montreal from Wednesday to Friday, the Artemis II crew, including Canadian astronauts Jeremy Hansen and backup Jenni Gibbons, along with NASA astronauts commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialist Christina Koch, are engaging in various public events, interactions with students, discussions with stakeholders in the Canadian space sector, and a limited number of interviews.
The Artemis II mission, which saw the crew departing Earth on April 1 and completing a journey around the moon, represents a significant milestone in NASA’s efforts to return humans to the moon’s surface and lay the groundwork for future crewed missions to Mars. Carney acknowledged the immense risks undertaken by the astronauts, noting that these risks are essential for paving the way for even greater opportunities.
Hansen expressed his gratitude for the warm reception in Ottawa following their space mission, highlighting the importance of showcasing Canada’s capabilities on the global stage. He emphasized that Artemis II is just a stepping stone in a much larger journey, expressing eagerness to contribute to future endeavors.
As a token of appreciation, Hansen presented Carney with a framed maple leaf patch that accompanied the crew on their mission, while Carney, in turn, gifted Hansen with the Canadian flag that flew over Parliament’s Peace Tower on the day of the spacecraft’s splashdown after the mission.
The crew also participated in a public event at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, where they discussed the decision to return to the moon and interacted with children in attendance. Hansen touched upon the theme of unity within the crew, drawing parallels to relationships on a global scale, particularly referencing the Canada-U.S. dynamic.
Later in the day, the crew headed to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, to engage with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, further delving into their mission experiences and insights.