The Only Non-American to Fly Beyond Low Earth Orbit Announces Transition to RCAF Reservist in September After 32 Years of Military Service and 17 Years as a CSA Astronaut
Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who was the only international astronaut to fly aboard the Artemis II mission in April, announced Monday that he will step back from a full-time astronaut role. The mission became the first journey humans had taken to the vicinity of the moon in more than 50 years and set a record for the farthest into space humans have ever traveled at 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometers). CNN
Hansen, 50, said that “after 32 years of military service and 17 years as a Canadian Space Agency astronaut; culminating in the incredible privilege of flying around the Moon on Artemis II; I will be transitioning from my full-time role at the CSA” in September 2026.
He will continue to serve as a reservist with the Royal Canadian Air Force, describing the move as “a deliberate launch pad designed to leave the door open for creative, ongoing ways to support and enable the vital work happening in Canada with respect to space.”
Hansen became the first non-American to travel beyond low-earth orbit and the first person to speak French while en route to the moon. Prime Minister Mark Carney praised Hansen, saying Canada “became only the second nation on Earth to send an astronaut on a lunar mission” through the Artemis II mission.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said Hansen “represented the Canadian Space Agency with the utmost distinction,” adding that he “executed with humility, precision, and professionalism.” After Hansen’s departure, the CSA will have three active astronauts: David Saint-Jacques, Joshua Kutryk and Jenni Gibbons.
Hansen flew to the moon and came back. He did his job to the absolute limit of what any astronaut can do. Walking away from a career on that note is not a retreat; it is a perfect exit.
Check out our previous coverage of space exploration and the Artemis programme on The Trusted Times.
