Mark Carney Appoints Astronaut Jeremy Hansen as Special Adviser on Space

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed astronaut Jeremy Hansen as the government’s special adviser on space, as Canada looks to expand its space partnerships with Europe amid growing tensions with the United States.

Hansen made history in April by becoming the first Canadian to travel farther into space than any other Canadian during NASA’s Artemis II mission around the Moon. In his new role, he will advise Carney and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly on Canada’s space strategy.

Hansen expressed his excitement on social media, saying he looks forward to working with the government to explore new opportunities in the space sector.

Meanwhile, Washington has warned Ottawa that the United States could turn to other countries instead of Canada for future space missions as Canada strengthens its ties with Europe.

Hansen, a native of Ontario, is a former fighter pilot and a Canadian astronaut.