Canada’s Jeremy Hansen Answers Kids’ Questions as Artemis 2 Nears
With less than 100 days until Artemis 2 opens its lunar chapter, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen faced a sea of curious questions from Grade 5 and 6 students at St. Jude Elementary School on Montreal’s South Shore. The event, held at the Canadian Space Agency headquarters in Longueuil, Quebec, offered a rare glimpse into how a new generation views the risks and rewards of a mission that could redefine Canada’s role in deep space exploration.
A Presidential Moment for Canada in Deep Space
Hansen, a 49-year-old London, Ontario native, described the dual realities of space exploration: the unknowns can be terrifying, yet the pursuit is worth the risk. He told the students that while there are no guarantees in space, a careful, well-planned approach dramatically improves safety. “What helps me with that is that I have learned to trust myself and to trust others,” he said, underscoring the teamwork behind any ambitious space venture.
The Artemis 2 Mission: A Historic Step
The crew, which includes veteran NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, will travel aboard the Orion spacecraft named “Integrity.” If all goes as planned, their roughly 10-day loop around the Moon could launch as early as February 2026. This mission marks the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972, and it will make Hansen the first Canadian to travel beyond low Earth orbit if he reaches space.
Why Take Such Risks?
Hansen framed the risk as a calculated step toward humanity’s broader goals. “There are plans and backup plans and contingencies in place,” he explained. “The most likely outcome will be landing in the Pacific Ocean at the end. But we also know there’s a risk.” He added that risks in life must pursue a meaningful purpose, arguing that Artemis 2 is a critical stepping-stone toward a future where humans explore more distant destinations.
From Moon to Mars: A Roadmap
Artemis 2 is positioned as a bridge to Artemis 3, which aims to land astronauts at the Moon’s South Pole—an achievement that would honor more than five decades since humans last touched the lunar surface. NASA’s broader Artemis program includes Artemis 4, which will begin assembling the Gateway lunar space station. Canada’s contributions—rooted in robotic technologies like Canadarm—have helped earn a seat at the table for this ambitious voyage, with Canada’s involvement highlighting the country’s ongoing commitment to space science and exploration.
Canadian Ambition and International Collaboration
Hansen emphasized that Canada’s ascent in space is grounded in ambition and vision. The agency’s partnerships, including Canadarm heritage and newer Canadarm 3 robotics, bolster Canada’s role in future missions. The event also highlighted ongoing milestones, such as the International Space Station’s 25 years of continuous human presence—a reminder of how far cooperative space exploration has come since its early days.
A Closer Look at the Challenge Ahead
Hansen spoke candidly about the practical limits of a compact spacecraft the size of a camper van. If humans intend to stay longer on the Moon or establish orbiting outposts, supply logistics will become increasingly complex. He noted that the Moon is a stepping-stone: if humanity aims for Mars, the distances multiply dramatically, underscoring the need for resilient systems and robust training.
Public Engagement and Policy Context
The audience also included Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, marking her first visit to the space agency in her new role. She framed Canada’s space strategy as part of broader national objectives, including defense, health threats, pandemics, climate change resilience, and disaster response. Her remarks underscore that Canada’s space program is intertwined with other critical challenges facing the country today.
As Canada positions itself at the forefront of deep-space exploration, Hansen’s message to the students captured the program’s essence: bold goals, careful planning, and the belief that pursuing big challenges can inspire the next generation to dream big and work hard.
— This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2025.
