100 Days to Artemis II: Hansen fielding questions from hopeful minds
With the Artemis II mission now looming as a landmark test flight, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen faced a room full of curious elementary school students who peppered him with questions about space, risk, and discovery. The event, held at the Canadian Space Agency, marked a rare public window into the mindset of a crew preparing for a mission that could redefine humanity’s reach beyond Earth’s orbit.
Hansen, who would become the first non-American to travel beyond low Earth orbit if all goes to plan, acknowledged the gravity of the undertaking. “The prospect is scary,” he admitted, “but the risks are worth taking when the potential gains push humanity forward.” The exchange underscored the mission’s dual nature: a bold leap into the unknown, tempered by rigorous preparation and careful risk management.
What Artemis II means for Hansen and the crew
Artemis II would be the first crewed test flight around the Moon since Apollo 17, and it would mark a turning point in NASA’s broader lunar program. The mission is targeted for February 2026, one of the most anticipated launches in decades. It would not only test Orion’s life-support systems, navigation, and communication protocols in a real deep-space scenario, but also help validate the teamwork and procedures that will underpin longer journeys to the surface of the Moon or beyond.
Hansen stressed that while this is a pioneering mission, it is also a carefully calculated step. The crew, which includes NASA teammates, has trained extensively to mitigate hazards—from radiation exposure to microgravity effects—learning to anticipate, monitor, and respond to contingencies during the nearly-weeklong journey around the Moon and back to Earth.
The Canadian angle: leadership, partnership and a new era
Canada’s role in Artemis II extends beyond the presence of a Canadian astronaut aboard. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly accompanied Hansen on the day, underscoring Canada’s ongoing commitment to space exploration and its broader strategic aims, including increased defence spending over the next decade. Joly’s visit signaled a renewed push to position Canada as a key partner in international space initiatives and in the development of domestic space industries such as satellite technology and data analytics that support deep-space missions.
Hansen’s candid remarks at the event reflected a broader Canadian enthusiasm for space exploration. The mission aligns with national priorities to inspire youth, boost STEM education, and reinforce Canada’s reputation as a capable partner in international science programs. The upcoming launch is seen as a catalyst for innovation, education, and public engagement with science and technology in communities across the country.
Education and public engagement: turning curiosity into future capability
By fielding questions from elementary students, Hansen highlighted an essential aspect of space exploration: its ability to motivate the next generation. The event reminded attendees that space missions are not only about hardware and rocket science; they are about curiosity, resilience, and collaboration. If Artemis II succeeds, it could spark a new wave of students pursuing careers in engineering, astronomy, and the physical sciences—fields that Canadian and global economies increasingly rely on for future growth.
Looking ahead: what the next 100 days could reveal
As NASA and its international partners finalize mission preparations, those following the Artemis II countdown are watching for the smallest signals—test results, training milestones, and the alignment of launch windows. The next 100 days will likely bring more frictions and fixes alike, but they will also showcase the teamwork and dedication required to bring a deep-space mission from concept to reality. For Canada, the mission is a milestone in international collaboration and a tangible reminder of the country’s evolving role in space exploration and defense partnerships.
The mission’s countdown is on, and the world awaits what could be a historic leap outward from Earth and a reaffirmation of humanity’s ambition to explore beyond familiar skies.
