Artemis II mission specialist Jeremy Roger Hansen launched into space on April 1, 2026, marking the first time a non-American traveler ventured beyond low Earth orbit. By navigating to the vicinity of the Moon, Hansen established a historical record for Canadian space exploration, reaching the greatest distance from Earth ever achieved by a human being alongside his crewmates.
Military and Academic Foundation
Born on January 27, 1976, in London, Ontario, Hansen developed an interest in aviation at age 12 while joining the 614 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. After graduating from Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute, he attended the Royal Military College of Canada. He completed a Bachelor of Science in space science in 1999 and subsequently earned a Master of Science in physics in 2000, focusing his research on wide field-of-view satellite tracking. His military career included serving as a fighter pilot for the Royal Canadian Air Force, flying the CF-18 at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta, eventually attaining the rank of colonel.
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Before his lunar journey, Hansen participated in rigorous environmental training programs designed to simulate isolated or extreme conditions. In 2013, he functioned as a cavenaut for the European Space Agency's CAVES programme in Sardinia. The following year, he participated in the NEEMO 19 undersea mission, spending seven days living in the Aquarius laboratory starting on September 7, 2014, to prepare for future orbital and deep-space operations.
Lunar Mission and Legacy
NASA announced Hansen as the first Canadian to travel to the Moon's vicinity on April 3, 2023. During the 2026 mission, he flew around the Moon between April 6 and his splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10. Following this achievement, he announced his retirement from the Canadian Space Agency’s active astronaut program in July 2026, effective September, with the stated goal of supporting Canada's ongoing contributions to space development through different capacities.
Fast facts
- Born: January 27, 1976, London, Ontario
- Education: Royal Military College of Canada
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Space Mission: Artemis II (2026)
- Undersea Mission: NEEMO 19 (2014)
- Significant Award: Congressional Space Medal of Honor (2026)
- Spouse: Catherine Hansen
Questions readers ask
What record did Jeremy Hansen set during Artemis II?
He became the first non-American astronaut to travel beyond low Earth orbit and reach the vicinity of the Moon.
Did Jeremy Hansen retire from the space industry?
No, he retired from the Canadian Space Agency's active astronaut program in September 2026 to pursue other opportunities within the Canadian space sector.
Achievements
- Educated at Royal Military College of Canada and Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute
- Worked as astronaut, fighter pilot and physicist
