Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and the rest of the Artemis II crew were warmly welcomed at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) headquarters following their historic journey to the far side of the moon. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd in Longueuil, Quebec, Hansen expressed gratitude to the individuals who played a crucial role in the mission’s success.
The 10-day mission pushed Hansen, mission commander Reid Wiseman, and astronauts Victor Glover and Christina Koch to venture farther from Earth than any previous human expedition. Both Koch and Glover highlighted their training experiences in Canada, emphasizing the sense of familiarity and belonging they feel at the CSA.
During a Q&A session with Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and members of the public, the crew, including Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jenni Gibbons from NASA’s Mission Control Center, shared insights into their mission. Wiseman underscored the significance of the Artemis II crew’s diverse backgrounds in enhancing the mission’s strength and fostering global unity.
The event concluded with the crew being greeted with cheers in Montreal, where Hansen’s Artemis II crewmates praised his expertise, humor, and invaluable contributions to the groundbreaking lunar mission, marking the first of its kind in five decades.