As Jeremy Hansen, a native of southwestern Ontario, prepares to make history as the first Canadian astronaut to journey to the moon, his hometown community eagerly awaits, ready to support him on this remarkable endeavor. Hansen, originally from Ailsa Craig near London, will take part in NASA’s upcoming Artemis II mission, set to launch in potentially just one week. This mission will mark Canada as the second country globally to send a human into deep space.
Artemis II will venture into uncharted territory, carrying Hansen and his American counterparts around the far side of the moon, pushing the boundaries of human space exploration. The mission, expected to last 10 days, aims to collect crucial scientific data to assess the capabilities of their spacecraft and human endurance, crucial for future moon missions such as Artemis III, which will involve astronauts landing on the lunar surface.
The launch date, tentatively set for February 8, is subject to weather conditions. Gordon Osinski, a Western University earth sciences professor, expressed his excitement, foreseeing this moment as a significant milestone in the annals of the Canadian Space Program.
In Hansen’s local community, the enthusiasm is palpable. At Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute (IDCI), where Hansen attended high school, current students and staff are closely following his journey to space. The school has shown immense support, creating initiatives like the Artemis IDCI Explorers Club, building models of the Artemis rocket, and engaging in various activities to back their esteemed alumnus.
London-based musician Emm Gryner has dedicated a song titled “Touch the Sky” to celebrate Hansen’s upcoming space voyage, inspired by his connection with her and his roots in Ailsa Craig. Meanwhile, Osinski, who trained Hansen in geology during their Arctic expeditions, eagerly anticipates witnessing the launch firsthand, courtesy of an invitation from the Canadian Space Agency.
Osinski’s involvement extends beyond Artemis II, as he is the sole Canadian on the science team for the Artemis III mission and leads Canada’s lunar rover project. The success of Artemis II is pivotal for future missions, emphasizing its critical role in advancing lunar exploration efforts.