Canadian Astronaut Tackles Fear and Wonder Ahead of Artemis II
In Longueuil, a room of eager elementary school students leaned in as Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen answered the kinds of questions that light up a classroom: What’s it like to fly in space? How do you stay calm when something goes wrong? And what does it mean for Canada to join NASA on a mission to the Moon?
Hansen, preparing for a pioneering voyage with NASA’s Artemis II mission, acknowledged that the prospect of traveling beyond low Earth orbit is daunting. He described spaceflight as inherently risky but emphasized that the potential rewards—advancing science, inspiring the next generation, and keeping humanity a multiplanetary species—make the dangers worth facing.
The event, held at the Canadian Space Agency, was also a showcase of Canada’s growing role in deep-space exploration. As Hansen spoke about the mission’s challenges, the kids fired questions about space food, life in microgravity, and the feeling of seeing Earth from far above the planet’s surface.
Artemis II: A Landmark Mission for Canada and the Moon
Artemis II would be the first crewed test of NASA’s Orion spacecraft with astronauts traveling to the vicinity of the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. If all goes to plan, the mission could launch as early as February 2026, marking a historic milestone not just for the United States, but for Canada as well. Hansen would be the first non-American to venture beyond low Earth orbit, underscoring Canada’s expanding footprint in space exploration.
Hansen’s remarks come at a time when Canada is looking to bolster its science and defense capabilities. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly joined the event, signaling a broader strategic push to increase defense spending over the next decade and to position Canada as a key partner in international space initiatives.
Why Artemis II Matters, Why Now
Artemis II isn’t about stepping onto the Moon’s surface; it’s an orbital mission designed to test the systems and crew readiness required for future landings. The mission will ensure that astronauts and engineers can operate together in deep space, navigate the complexities of a lunar transit, and return safely to Earth. For Hansen, this mission represents the culmination of years of training and service, and it would mark a personal milestone as his first journey into space.
For Canada, Artemis II reinforces a national commitment to science, technology, and international collaboration. The mission strengthens partnerships with NASA and other space-faring nations, while also highlighting Canadian achievements in robotics, life sciences, and space medicine—areas where Canadian institutions have long contributed to human spaceflight.
Student Questions and a Call to Curious Minds
During the Q&A, Hansen encouraged students to pursue STEM studies and remain curious about the universe. He discussed the mental skills needed for long-duration missions, such as teamwork, resilience, and careful decision-making under pressure. He reminded the audience that fear can be a driver for preparation: acknowledging it is the first step toward managing it through training, simulation, and robust mission planning.
The conversation underscored a central theme of the day: exploration is a collective venture. From the young students asking about the color of space to policymakers convening to map Canada’s future in defense and science, the Artemis II project represents a shared curiosity that binds nations, disciplines, and generations.
Looking Ahead: A Long Journey to February 2026
As Canada’s space agency and its partners fine-tune mission gear, the countdown remains a blend of excitement and careful planning. The coming months will involve rigorous reviews, simulations, and public engagement to keep people informed and inspired by this bold step toward the Moon.
Jeremy Hansen’s candid reflection about fear, courage, and the necessity of risk offers a compelling narrative for students and adults alike: in pursuit of knowledge, we prepare, we learn, and we boldly move forward.
