Southwestern Ontario native Jeremy Hansen, hailing from Ailsa Craig, northwest of London, is set to make history as the first Canadian astronaut to embark on a lunar mission. As part of NASA’s Artemis II mission, which is scheduled to launch as early as one week from now, Hansen will venture into deep space, marking Canada as the second country in the world to send a human beyond Earth’s orbit.
The upcoming Artemis II mission will take Hansen and his American colleagues on a journey around the far side of the moon, reaching deeper into space than any human has gone before. This significant milestone has been lauded by Gordon Osinski, a Western University earth sciences professor, who anticipates that it will be a pivotal moment in the annals of the Canadian Space Program.
During the 10-day expedition, the crew will conduct scientific research to push the boundaries of their spacecraft and human endurance, laying the groundwork for future lunar missions, including Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts on the moon. The mission’s launch is tentatively scheduled for February 8, subject to weather conditions.
Hansen’s impending achievements have resonated deeply with the London community, including his alma mater, Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute (IDCI), where current students and staff are eagerly following his journey. The school has rallied behind Hansen, creating the Artemis IDCI Explorers Club to support their celebrated alumnus.
Meanwhile, London-based musician Emm Gryner has composed a song titled “Touch the Sky” to honor Hansen’s upcoming space voyage, inspired by her friendship with Hansen’s wife, Catherine. The uplifting song reflects on Hansen’s roots in Ailsa Craig and his transformation from a farm boy to a space explorer, aiming to instill hope and positivity in listeners.
Western University professor Gordon Osinski, who mentored Hansen in geology during their Arctic expeditions, will witness the Artemis II launch firsthand in Florida, courtesy of an invitation from the Canadian Space Agency. Osinski, the only Canadian on the science team for the Artemis III mission, emphasized the critical role of Artemis II in shaping future lunar exploration endeavors.
As anticipation builds for Hansen’s historic lunar mission, the London community and beyond are eagerly awaiting this momentous leap into the cosmos.