Global attention turns to Artemis II launch, Canadian astronaut among crew

People in Canada and around the world are preparing to watch the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission, which is set to send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, according to NASA mission briefings.

The crew includes Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, 50, of London, Ont., who will serve as mission specialist. The Canadian Space Agency says Hansen is expected to become the first non-American astronaut to travel beyond low Earth orbit.

Hansen will fly alongside NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch. The mission is part of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustained presence for future exploration.

Public figures have marked the milestone with statements highlighting the international nature of the mission. In a message released ahead of the launch, King Charles III said Canada’s participation reflects “decades of dedicated leadership and sustained investment in space innovation,” and described the mission as a symbol of global cooperation.

The statement added that Hansen carries “the hopes of your fellow Canadians and the Commonwealth” and represents “a bridge between nations and generations” at a historic moment for space exploration.