Artemis II Mission
Canada’s historic giant leap carried us around the Moon.
Canada’s Mission to the Moon
Artemis II was the first crewed mission around the Moon since 1972 and the first crewed flight of NASA’s Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System. Launched on April 1, 2026, the mission lasted nearly 10 days and marked a major milestone in the return of humans to deep space.
For Canada, Artemis II was historic. Jeremy Hansen became the first Canadian to take part in a lunar mission, marking a defining moment in Canada’s role in human space exploration.
Through Out of This World 25, Artemis II connects Chris Hadfield’s 2001 mission with a new chapter in Canada’s journey in space. That connection remains central to OOTW25’s vision of linking past achievements with future possibilities.
A remarkable moment from a historic mission.
Jeremy Hansen from Orion
During Artemis II’s journey around the Moon, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen shared a message from Orion in French — becoming the first astronaut in history to speak French while en route to the Moon.
Watch his message as part of this historic mission and reflect on what it means for Canada’s continuing story in space.
Source: Canadian Space Agency
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 marks 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.
With Artemis II, Canada became the second country to send a human beyond low Earth orbit and the first non-American nation to take part in a lunar mission. The mission also helped test the systems, operations, and teamwork needed for future exploration of the Moon and beyond.
Four astronauts traveled 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 flew around the Moon aboard Orion, helping test 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 was the first crewed test flight of Orion launched on NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The mission carried four astronauts into deep space, around the Moon, and safely back to Earth.
The flight was designed to test the spacecraft, life-support systems, crew operations, and deep-space procedures needed for future lunar exploration. As a crewed test mission, Artemis II marked an essential step toward the next phase of human exploration beyond Earth orbit.
Canada’s journey to the Moon is also a story of preparation, partnership, and possibility.
Jeremy Hansen’s Historic Role
CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen made history as the first Canadian to fly around the Moon. His role on Artemis II marked a major milestone not only for Canada’s astronaut program, but also for the next generation of Canadians watching the 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.
Artemis II has marked a defining new chapter in Canada’s story in space.
Explore More About Artemis II
Jeremy Hansen
Canada’s astronaut on Artemis II.
Mission Overview
Learn how Artemis II journeyed around the Moon.
Meet the Crew
Meet the four astronauts of Artemis II.
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, the mission offers 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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