If everything proceeds according to the plan, in the early months of the following year, four astronauts are slated to embark on a mission that has been eagerly anticipated: a journey back to the moon.
The most recent lunar visit occurred in December 1972, when American astronauts Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt explored the moon’s surface, while Ronald Evans orbited above.
As for Canadian astronauts, none have set foot on the moon until now. However, this will change in the near future as astronaut Jeremy Hansen, accompanied by his three American colleagues, is set to orbit the moon during the Artemis II mission early next year, offering a unique perspective of the moon’s far side and Earth.
Depending on the specific launch date, the astronauts will venture between 7,400 and 11,000 kilometers beyond the moon’s orbit.
The Artemis program by NASA marks a pivotal return to the moon. Artemis I, an unmanned trial of NASA’s latest heavy-lift rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), and the unmanned Orion spacecraft, successfully orbited the moon in 2022.
The next phase involves testing the Orion spacecraft with crewed missions. The upcoming flight, Artemis II, scheduled for early 2026, will feature U.S. astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christian Koch, alongside Hansen.
Hansen has been diligently preparing since his selection in 2009, emphasizing that the training has been rigorous and consistent, simulating launches and even overnight stays at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the mission, Hansen emphasized his love for the challenges of space exploration and problem-solving within a team. While looking forward to the journey, he also appreciates the intense training phase.
One aspect Hansen enjoys during training is the simulator sessions where the team faces challenging scenarios. Overcoming these challenges with teamwork brings a sense of accomplishment.
Describing the qualities needed for space travel, Hansen highlighted the importance of teamwork, emphasizing the collaborative effort required for successful missions.
In contrast to past missions where the focus was on spacecraft systems testing, the current mission emphasizes testing both hardware and the astronauts themselves, with a focus on understanding the effects of space travel on the human body.
David Saint-Jacques, a Canadian astronaut and physician, underscored the necessity of conducting medical experiments on astronauts to comprehend the impacts of space travel on the human body.
The rigorous testing of the spacecraft’s capabilities is a crucial aspect of the current mission, ensuring safety during crewed missions.
The ongoing preparations pave the way for Artemis III, slated for 2027, which will see astronauts return to the lunar surface.
Hansen’s dedication and inquisitive nature have left a positive impression on his colleagues, showcasing his exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to the mission.
Jenni Sidey-Gibbons, Hansen’s backup for the mission, echoed the sentiment that Hansen embodies the best qualities for the mission, emphasizing his leadership and character.
His colleagues commend Hansen for his leadership qualities, describing him as someone they enjoy working with and trust on the mission. Hansen’s inclusive and supportive nature makes him an ideal candidate for the upcoming lunar mission.