Southwestern Ontario native Jeremy Hansen, hailing from Ailsa Craig, northwest of London, is gearing up to make history as the first Canadian astronaut to journey to the moon. The highly anticipated NASA Artemis II mission, set to launch in approximately one week, will mark Canada as the second country globally to venture into deep space. Hansen, alongside his American colleagues, will embark on a groundbreaking expedition around the moon’s far side, venturing deeper into space than any human has ventured before.
Gordon Osinski, an earth sciences professor at Western University, expressed excitement, deeming this upcoming mission a monumental moment in the annals of the Canadian Space Program. The 10-day mission will involve the crew collecting scientific data to push the boundaries of their spacecraft and human endurance, vital for future lunar expeditions like Artemis III, where astronauts are slated to touch down on the lunar surface. The launch is tentatively scheduled for February 8, pending favorable weather conditions.
Hansen’s impending milestone has resonated deeply within the London community. From the student body at his alma mater to a local musician and a Western University geologist, individuals across the region are rallying behind Hansen in anticipation of the mission. Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute (IDCI), Hansen’s former high school, is abuzz with excitement, with students and staff eagerly tracking the mission’s progress. The school has gone above and beyond to show their support, including creating an Artemis IDCI Explorers Club and crafting a replica of the Artemis rocket out of Legos.
London-based musician Emm Gryner has composed a song titled “Touch the Sky” dedicated to Hansen’s upcoming lunar voyage. Drawing inspiration from Hansen’s personal journey and ties to Ailsa Craig, Gryner aimed to craft an uplifting anthem amidst challenging times globally. The Hansens’ positive response to the song further fueled Gryner’s hope that it would inspire listeners and instill a sense of hope.
Meanwhile, Western University professor Gordon Osinski, who trained Hansen in geology during their expeditions in the Canadian Arctic, is poised to witness the historic launch firsthand. Invited by the Canadian Space Agency for an exclusive viewing experience in Florida, Osinski looks forward to witnessing Hansen and his fellow astronauts embark on their lunar odyssey. As the sole Canadian on the science team for the Artemis III mission, Osinski underscores the pivotal role Artemis II plays in shaping future lunar exploration endeavors, emphasizing its indispensable nature for upcoming missions and scientific advancements.
