Jeremy Hansen, the Canadian astronaut who flew around the moon during the Artemis II mission in April, is stepping down from his full-time role with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in September. According to a social media post by Hansen, he will transition to a reservist role with the Royal Canadian Air Force to pursue new professional opportunities while continuing to support Canada’s space initiatives.
Why is Jeremy Hansen leaving his full-time astronaut role?
Hansen is transitioning to a military reserve position after 32 years of military service and 17 years as a CSA astronaut. He described the move as a “deliberate” step to keep the door open for creative ways to support Canada’s space work. His wife, Catherine, stated on social media that this move is an “expansion of his role” intended to help him meet the demands of a “Canada on the rise.”
The Canadian Space Agency confirmed the departure in a statement, noting that Hansen will “seek new professional opportunities.” The agency praised his leadership and professionalism, stating that he helped inspire young Canadians to see themselves in the future of exploration.
What happens to the Canadian Space Agency’s astronaut corps?
Hansen’s departure reduces the number of active CSA astronauts to three. According to agency records, the remaining active crew includes David Saint-Jacques, Joshua Kutryk, and Jenni Gibbons.
Prime Minister Mark Carney praised Hansen’s career as a fighter pilot and his role in Artemis II, stating in a communiqué that the mission “united millions of Canadians around a single mission.” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman also credited Hansen with representing the CSA with “the greatest distinction,” citing his precision and humility during the lunar flyby.
How did Artemis II set the stage for future moon landings?
The 10-day Artemis II mission served as a critical test for human deep-space travel. Hansen flew alongside NASA’s Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (the first Black person to travel into deep space), and Christina Koch (the first woman to venture to the moon). The crew operated out of the 16.5-foot-wide Orion capsule.
The mission established a human presence near the moon for the first time in over 50 years. This paves the way for upcoming milestones:
- Artemis III: A flight to low Earth orbit to test the Orion capsule’s ability to dock with a lunar landing module.
- Artemis IV: Expected to be the first program mission to land humans on the lunar surface, scheduled for as early as 2028.
What was the human impact of the Artemis II mission?
Beyond the technical data, the mission focused on crew cohesion and global inspiration. Reid Wiseman, who has known Hansen for 17 years, described him as “serene under pressure” and a friend who makes those around him better.
One of the mission’s most cited moments occurred during a live transmission when Hansen emotionally announced the crew’s wish to name a lunar crater “Carroll,” after Wiseman’s late wife. Hansen also spoke about the “joy train”—a team term for the collective enthusiasm and commitment required to achieve high-stakes goals in space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jeremy Hansen retiring from space exploration entirely?
No. According to his social media post, he is moving to a reservist role with the Royal Canadian Air Force to maintain “creative and continuous” support for Canada’s space work.
When will humans land on the moon again?
According to NASA, the Artemis IV mission is currently scheduled to land humans on the moon as early as 2028.
Who are the current active Canadian astronauts?
Following Hansen’s transition in September, the active astronauts are David Saint-Jacques, Joshua Kutryk, and Jenni Gibbons.
What do you think about the transition from government astronaut roles to private or reserve sector space support? Let us know in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the Artemis program.
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