Canadian Space Agency

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is slated to fly around the Moon on Artemis II.

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) contributed to the Artemis II mission by providing one of the four crew members: Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The CSA's involvement in the mission highlights the international partnership at the heart of the NASA-led Artemis program, with Hansen's participation marking a significant milestone for Canadian space exploration.

Quick Facts

Key representative: Jeremy Hansen
Mission role: Crew Member
Contribution: Astronaut for Artemis II crew

Lore & Background

The Canadian Space Agency's role in Artemis II centered on the selection and support of astronaut Jeremy Hansen as a mission specialist. Hansen was announced as part of the four-person crew on April 3, 2023. Earlier that day, NASA administrator Bill Nelson delivered his 'State of NASA' address at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., before introducing the crew later at Ellington Field outside Houston, Texas. The crew made a public appearance that evening at the nearby NRG Stadium during the 2023 March Madness basketball championship game.

If Artemis II completes its planned trajectory, Hansen would become the first person not from the United States to travel beyond low Earth orbit and around the Moon, a distinction that underscores the international character of the Artemis program. The CSA's participation in Artemis II built on decades of Canadian contributions to human spaceflight, including astronaut missions to the International Space Station and the development of the Canadarm robotic systems.

Hansen's flight would represent the first time a Canadian astronaut has traveled beyond low Earth orbit, placing the CSA among the small group of space agencies that have sent humans to the vicinity of the Moon.

Reader's Guide

The Canadian Space Agency's primary contribution to Artemis II was providing astronaut Jeremy Hansen as a crew member. Hansen's role involved supporting mission objectives to validate Orion's systems, crew operations, and mission procedures ahead of sustained lunar exploration. The CSA worked within the NASA-led Artemis program structure, coordinating crew training and mission support. Hansen's participation demonstrated the CSA's capability to contribute to deep-space human exploration, building on its experience with International Space Station missions.

The agency's relationship with NASA was that of a key international partner, with Hansen's seat on the crew reflecting the broader collaboration between the two space agencies. The CSA's involvement in Artemis II also set the stage for future Canadian contributions to lunar exploration, including potential crew assignments to later Artemis missions.