Southwestern Ontario native Jeremy Hansen is set to make history as the first Canadian astronaut to journey to the moon, with residents from his hometown of Ailsa Craig eagerly supporting him. Hansen will be part of NASA’s Artemis II mission, which is scheduled to launch in about a week. This mission will mark Canada as the second country globally to send a human into deep space.
During the 10-day expedition, Hansen and his American colleagues will venture beyond the moon’s far side, reaching further into deep space than any human has gone before. The mission aims to collect scientific data to test the capabilities of the rocket and human endurance in preparation for future lunar missions, such as Artemis III, where astronauts are expected to land on the moon.
The launch for Artemis II is tentatively set for February 8, pending favorable weather conditions. Gordon Osinski, a Western University earth sciences professor, expressed that this momentous event will hold a significant place in the history of the Canadian Space Program.
In anticipation of Hansen’s journey, various community members in the London area have been gearing up to show their support. At Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute, where Hansen attended high school, students and staff are closely monitoring the mission’s progress. The school has initiated several initiatives, including creating a moon-shaped formation with students on the field and establishing the Artemis IDCI Explorers Club to rally behind their local hero.
London-based musician Emm Gryner has paid tribute to Hansen with a song titled “Touch the Sky,” inspired by his upcoming space voyage. The song captures the essence of Hansen’s background in Ailsa Craig and his remarkable journey to space, aiming to uplift listeners during challenging times.
Additionally, Western University professor Gordon Osinski, who has trained Hansen in geology, will witness the launch firsthand in Florida. Osinski, the only Canadian on the science team for the Artemis III mission, is also leading Canada’s inaugural lunar rover mission. The success of Artemis II will significantly impact Osinski’s preparatory work for future missions, emphasizing its crucial role in advancing lunar exploration.
As Hansen prepares to embark on this historic mission, the support and enthusiasm from his hometown and beyond continue to grow, highlighting the collective pride and anticipation surrounding Canada’s significant role in space exploration.