Artemis II Mission
Canada's next giant leap will carry us around the Moon.
Canada’s Mission to the Moon
Artemis II will be the first crewed mission around the Moon since 1972 and the first crewed flight of NASA’s Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System. The mission is planned to launch in April 2026 and last about 10 days.
For Canada, Artemis II is historic. Jeremy Hansen will become the first Canadian to fly around the Moon, marking a defining milestone in Canada’s role in human space exploration.
Through Out of This World 25, Artemis II connects Chris Hadfield’s 2001 mission with Canada’s next major step into deep space. That connection is central to OOTW25’s vision of linking past achievements with future possibilities.
The path from Earth orbit to deep space is shaped by courage, preparation, and teamwork.
Why Artemis II Matters for Canada
Artemis II is more than a Moon mission. It is a major step in Canada’s continuing role in global space exploration.
Because of Canada’s contribution to the Gateway lunar program through Canadarm3, Canada secured astronaut flights connected to the Artemis program, including Jeremy Hansen’s seat on Artemis II.
The mission will make Canada the second country to send a human into deep space and will help test the systems, operations, and teamwork needed for future missions to the Moon and beyond.
Four astronauts will travel farther from Earth than any crew in more than half a century.
Meet the Artemis II Crew
The Artemis II crew includes:
- Reid Wiseman – Commander
- Victor Glover – Pilot
- Christina Koch – Mission Specialist
- Jeremy Hansen – Mission Specialist, Canadian Space Agency
Together, they will fly around the Moon aboard Orion, testing the systems and procedures that will support future human missions deeper into space.
Before astronauts can journey around the Moon, every system must be tested for deep space.
Orion, SLS, and the Mission
Artemis II will be the first crewed test flight of Orion launched on NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The mission will send four astronauts into space, around the Moon, and safely back to Earth.
The mission is designed to test the spacecraft, life-support systems, crew operations, and deep-space procedures needed for future lunar exploration. NASA describes it as a critical step toward sustained exploration of the Moon and, eventually, Mars.
Canada’s journey to the Moon is also a story of preparation, partnership, and possibility.
Jeremy Hansen’s Historic Role
CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen will make history as the first Canadian to fly around the Moon. His role on Artemis II represents a major milestone not only for Canada’s astronaut program, but also for the next generation of Canadians watching this mission unfold.
For OOTW25, Jeremy Hansen’s participation in Artemis II connects Canada’s past achievements in space to the future of exploration — showing how one generation of milestones can inspire the next.
The next chapter of Canada’s story in space is being written right now.
Explore More About Artemis II
Jeremy Hansen
Canada’s astronaut on Artemis II.
Mission Overview
Learn how Artemis II will circle around the Moon.
Meet the Crew
Meet the four Artemis II astronauts.
Orion & SLS
Explore the spacecraft and rocket.
Space History
See how Artemis II connects to Canada’s past.
StoryMaps
Explore Canada’s story through maps
Artemis II marks a defining moment in Canada’s journey in space. Through Out of This World 25, this mission becomes an opportunity to explore how Canada’s past achievements and future ambitions are connected.
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Sources & Image Credits
This page includes information from Canadian Space Agency resources. Many images are courtesy of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and are used with permission. Other visuals are licensed stock photography or approved website assets. Image credits are provided here collectively as part of the page design.
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