Southwestern Ontario native Jeremy Hansen, hailing from Ailsa Craig, is on the verge of making history as the first Canadian astronaut to journey to the moon. As part of NASA’s Artemis II mission, set to launch imminently, Hansen’s voyage will mark Canada as the second nation ever to dispatch a human into deep space.
The upcoming Artemis II mission will propel Hansen and his American team members to orbit the far side of the moon, venturing further into space than any human has ventured before. This significant milestone in Canadian space exploration is anticipated to be a monumental moment, according to Gordon Osinski, a Western University earth sciences professor.
During the 10-day expedition, the crew will conduct scientific experiments to assess their spacecraft’s capabilities and human endurance, crucial for upcoming moon missions like Artemis III, which involves astronauts landing on the moon. While the earliest launch opportunity is slated for February 8, the exact date is contingent on weather conditions.
Hansen’s exceptional accomplishments have resonated deeply within the London community. From his alma mater’s student body to a local musician and a Western University geologist, local supporters are gearing up for the mission launch.
At Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute (IDCI), Hansen’s former high school, current students and faculty are eagerly following his journey to space. The school’s English Department head, Phil Raven, expressed the school’s excitement and detailed their efforts to honor Hansen, including capturing a drone image of students forming the shape of the moon.
Moreover, London-based musician Emm Gryner has composed a song titled “Touch the Sky” dedicated to Hansen’s upcoming space adventure. Inspired by Hansen’s roots and his partnership with his wife Catherine, the song aims to uplift listeners during challenging times.
Western University professor Gordon Osinski, who trained Hansen in geology during Arctic expeditions, is poised to witness the launch firsthand in Florida, courtesy of the Canadian Space Agency. Osinski’s involvement extends to being the sole Canadian on the Artemis III science team and leading Canada’s first lunar rover mission, highlighting the critical role of Artemis II in shaping future lunar exploration endeavors.
