Prime Minister Mark Carney extended a warm welcome to the Artemis II astronauts in Ottawa, praising their recent voyage around the moon as a source of inspiration for the entire nation. During a meeting in his office, Carney emphasized the lessons in teamwork, dedication, courage, and human ingenuity demonstrated by the astronauts, stating that this mission is just the beginning of great achievements. He expressed gratitude to the astronauts for their accomplishments and for motivating the Canadian populace.
The Artemis II crew, comprising Canadian astronauts Jeremy Hansen and his backup Jenni Gibbons, alongside NASA astronauts Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch, is currently on a visit to Ottawa and Montreal. The crew is engaging in public events, interacting with students, connecting with stakeholders in the Canadian space sector, and granting a limited number of interviews.
Having launched on April 1, the Artemis II crew journeyed around the moon and back, setting a record as the farthest distance traveled from Earth by any human. This mission marks NASA’s initial step toward returning humans to the moon and laying the groundwork for future crewed missions to Mars.
Acknowledging the risks involved in the expedition, Carney highlighted that these risks were taken to pave the way for greater opportunities. Hansen expressed his delight at being in Ottawa, symbolically transitioning from the vast expanse of space to the warm reception of Canadians. He emphasized that Artemis II signifies a mere step in a more extensive journey and conveyed eagerness to contribute to future endeavors.
During the visit, Hansen presented Carney with a framed maple leaf patch that accompanied the crew on their mission. In return, Carney gifted Hansen with the Canadian flag that flew over Parliament’s Peace Tower on the day the Orion spacecraft completed its mission. The crew also participated in a public event at the National Arts Centre (NAC) in Ottawa, engaging in discussions about humanity’s lunar return decision and fielding questions from children present.
At the NAC event, Hansen drew parallels between the crew’s collective effort to overcome challenges and the importance of fostering strong relationships globally. The crew later headed to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., to share insights about their mission with parliamentarians and other stakeholders.