As Jeremy Hansen prepares for his mission around the moon, the Ontario-born astronaut is thinking about the ways Canada could help tackle some of the world's most pressing problems. The 10-day mission involves slingshotting into deep space for a figure-8 manoeuvre around the far side of the moon. It would mark the first time any human has ventured so far from Earth.
Hansen, who will embark on NASA's Artemis II mission alongside three Americans, said it's "pretty extraordinary" that Canada has the expertise to contribute to such a partnership. "No one's done this in over 50 years and nobody has flown on this vehicle that is going to take us back to the moon,” said Hansen, the only astronaut on the Artemis II mission who hasn't already been to space.
Once in the moon's orbit, Hansen said he will be "far enough away to see the entire marble of Earth hanging in space," and expects to have "an extraordinary perspective as a human being." "Day-to-day we take for granted when we have water. But in that experience I really appreciated it," Hansen said. "You can accomplish extraordinary things by simply knowing what you want, sharing with other people and just putting in a best effort," he said. "But don't be so hard on yourself."