Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is on the verge of making history with the upcoming Artemis II mission. Alongside NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Christina Koch, Hansen will journey around the far side of the moon, venturing deeper into space than any human before. During the 10-day mission, the crew will conduct experiments to push the limits of their spacecraft and human endurance, aiming to gather valuable data for future space exploration endeavors.
Recently, Hansen shared insights with Quirks & Quarks host Bob McDonald regarding the mission’s progress. Reflecting on his imminent launch, Hansen expressed a mix of emotions, oscillating between the gravity of the moment and the practicalities of final preparations. Drawing from his background as a former jet fighter pilot, Hansen highlighted the importance of aviation training in preparing for the risks inherent in space travel, emphasizing the need for meticulous preparation and confidence in operational procedures.
The Artemis II mission is unique in its approach, combining elements from historic Apollo missions. Hansen likened it to a blend of Apollo 7 and Apollo 8, where the crew will first test life-support systems and manual controls in Earth’s orbit before venturing to lunar orbit. This free-return trajectory will offer Hansen and his fellow astronauts a rare perspective of witnessing both the Earth and the moon in a single view, potentially leading to significant scientific observations.
One of the intriguing experiments onboard the Artemis II mission is the AVATAR project, in which astronauts will donate blood to create replicas of their living cells on specialized chips. These cellular replicas will be exposed to radiation during the mission, allowing scientists to compare the effects on the astronauts’ bodies and the chip-based models. The findings could pave the way for future research leveraging such technology to study the impact of space travel on the human body.
As the first Canadian set to embark on a lunar journey, Hansen views this opportunity as a testament to Canada’s space capabilities and pioneering spirit. Reflecting on the country’s achievements in space exploration, including satellite launches and development of space robotics, Hansen emphasized the boldness and vision that have propelled Canada’s contributions to the global space community.
Looking ahead to launch day, Hansen anticipates a mix of excitement and nerves as he prepares to board the rocket for the historic mission. Amidst the anticipation and final countdown, Hansen acknowledges the gravity of the moment, balancing enthusiasm with a hint of apprehension typical of any high-stakes endeavor.
Hansen’s journey to the moon represents not just a personal milestone but a testament to Canada’s space legacy and its ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of exploration and discovery.