Canadian astronaut announces transition from full-time role
Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen announced Monday that he is stepping down from his full-time role as an astronaut, months after flying around the moon on NASA’s Artemis II mission, reports BritPanorama.
Hansen, 50, shared in an Instagram post that he will transition from his position at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), but emphasized that the change is “far from a departure.” He described his upcoming role as a “deliberate launchpad designed to leave the door open for creative, ongoing ways to support and enable the vital work happening in Canada with respect to space.”
In addition to this new role, Hansen confirmed he would continue to serve as a reservist with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
“To the Canadian Armed Forces, the CSA, NASA, our international partners, and my family: thank you,” he stated. “And to all Canadians: thank you for believing in what our country can achieve when we aim high. The mission continues.”
Hansen has dedicated 32 years to the Royal Canadian Air Force and has been an astronaut with the CSA for 17 years, according to the CSA.
In 2013, he participated in the CAVES program, where he lived underground for six days. The following year, he was involved in NEEMO 19, spending seven days living and working on the ocean floor in the Aquarius underwater laboratory. In 2017, Hansen made history as the first Canadian to lead a NASA astronaut class, training fellow astronauts from both Canada and the United States.
Canada’s Minister of National Defense, David J. McGuinty, remarked in a statement, “Through his distinguished service in the Royal Canadian Air Force and invaluable contributions to Canada’s space program, he has exemplified the very best of Canadian leadership and excellence. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to pursue careers in science, innovation, and discovery.”
Earlier this year, in April, Hansen participated in NASA’s Artemis II mission, marking the first crewed mission to the moon in over 50 years.
The crew set numerous records during this mission, becoming the first humans to travel that far from Earth, the first to see the entire far side of the moon with their own eyes, and the first astronauts to experience a solar eclipse from the moon.
“Right away, you are humbled,” Hansen told NBC News during an interview from space. “The fact that four of us get to be out here just brings you to your knees.”
He added that while the photos of Earth and the moon from the mission are impressive, they do not compare to the experience of seeing it firsthand.
“I know those photos are amazing,” he said, “but let me assure you, it is another level of amazing up here.”
