Space

Canada’s First Deep Space Connection: Astronaut Jeremy Hansen to Speak Live From Artemis II

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen to participate in a historic live Q&A from space during the Artemis II lunar mission on April 4, 2026.

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2 weeks ago

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A Historic Moment for Canadian Space Exploration

In a milestone event for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), astronaut Colonel Jeremy Hansen is set to make history on the night of April 3 and 4, 2026. For the first time, a Canadian astronaut will engage in a live space-to-Earth connection from the deep space environment of the Artemis II mission. This unprecedented communication event, hosted at the John H. Chapman Space Centre in Longueuil, Quebec, represents a significant leap forward in Canada’s role in international lunar exploration.

Live Q&A from the Orion Spacecraft

During the 20-minute video link, CSA President Lisa Campbell will host a session where Hansen will share his firsthand impressions of the lunar flyby mission. Canadian media representatives present on-site will have the exclusive opportunity to pose questions directly to the Colonel as he travels beyond low Earth orbit. The Artemis II mission is the first crewed flight under NASA’s Artemis program to venture around the Moon, making Hansen the first Canadian to ever leave Earth’s immediate orbit.

Technical Details and Public Access

The event is scheduled to begin at 12:45 am ET, with the live video feed from the Orion spacecraft expected to stabilize at 1:10 am ET. While only accredited journalists on-site will be permitted to ask questions, the CSA has ensured that the public can witness this historic dialogue. The session will be livestreamed on the CSA’s official YouTube channel, and the entirety of the Artemis II mission will remain accessible to global audiences via the NASA+ broadcasting platform.

Security and Logistics for On-Site Media

Media representatives attending the event in Longueuil are required to present valid credentials at multiple security checkpoints. Given the precise nature of space-to-Earth communication windows, the CSA has emphasized the importance of early arrival to navigate security protocols and ensure that the scheduled connection is not missed. Experts from the CSA will also be available on-site for additional interviews to provide technical context regarding the mission’s progress and the science being conducted aboard the spacecraft.

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Science

Canada’s Lunar Giant Leap: Jeremy Hansen and Jenni Gibbons Set for Historic Artemis II Mission

Canadian astronauts Jeremy Hansen and Jenni Gibbons take center stage in NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first crewed lunar flight in over 50 years.

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3 weeks ago

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March 31, 2026

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A New Era of Lunar Exploration

For the first time in over half a century, humanity is preparing to return to the Moon, and Canada is playing a central role in this historic endeavor. The Artemis II mission, scheduled for a launch window beginning April 1, represents the first crewed flight to the lunar vicinity since the Apollo era. This 10-day fly-around mission will test the critical systems of the Orion spacecraft, paving the way for future permanent lunar habitats.

The First International Moon Traveler

At the heart of the mission is Colonel Jeremy Hansen, a 50-year-old veteran pilot from London, Ontario. Serving as a mission specialist, Hansen is set to make history as the first non-American to travel beyond low Earth orbit. A former CF-18 fighter pilot with extensive experience in Arctic operations and NORAD defense, Hansen joined the Canadian Space Agency in 2009. His role on Artemis II involves managing complex science and operational tasks alongside NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch as they perform a lunar flyby and capture high-resolution imagery of the surface.

The Vital Role of the Backup

Supporting the mission from the ground—and ready to step in at a moment’s notice—is Calgary-born Jenni Gibbons. A former assistant professor at the University of Cambridge, Gibbons serves as Hansen’s backup. Her contribution extends far beyond potential flight; during the mission, she will serve as a ‘capcom,’ the primary voice link between Earth and the crew. Gibbons is also instrumental in defining training protocols for the future Artemis III and IV missions, ensuring that Canada remains a vital partner in the long-term goal of establishing a human presence on the Moon.

Looking Toward the Future

The success of Artemis II is the essential bridge to Artemis III, which will test docking capabilities with commercial landing craft. While NASA anticipates a return to the lunar surface by early 2028, the current mission serves as the ultimate proving ground for the technology and international cooperation required for deep-space exploration. For Canada, this mission is not just a scientific milestone, but a validation of the nation’s decades-long commitment to aerospace excellence.

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Education

From Zoology to Orbit: UBC Alumna Jessica Meir Connects with Students from ISS

NASA astronaut and UBC alumna Jessica Meir connects with students from the ISS, sharing insights on zero-gravity life, motherhood, and her journey from zoology.

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3 weeks ago

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March 26, 2026

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A Connection Across the Atmosphere

University of British Columbia (UBC) alumna and NASA astronaut Jessica Meir recently provided students at her former campus with a rare glimpse into life aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Serving as the commander of the NASA SpaceX Crew-12 mission, Meir participated in a live 20-minute Zoom session, bridging the 400-kilometer gap between the orbiting laboratory and the Vancouver campus. With a UBC flag visible in the background and her hair floating in the weightless environment, Meir shared the triumphs and challenges of her eight-month mission.

The Realities of Zero-Gravity Living

During the interactive session, Meir answered a wide range of questions from high school and university students, as well as curious youngsters from a local daycare. She offered a candid look at the logistical hurdles of life in space, explaining that even basic tasks like drinking water or using the washroom require significant adjustment in a zero-gravity environment. Beyond the technical aspects, Meir spoke about the personal sacrifices of long-duration spaceflight, including missing her husband and three-year-old daughter back on Earth.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists

Meir, who studied zoology at UBC between 2009 and 2012, has become a symbol of academic and professional excellence for the university community. Her journey from studying animal physiology to commanding a multi-national space mission highlights the diverse career paths available to STEM graduates. To the delight of the audience—which included a toddler dressed in a miniature NASA spacesuit—Meir demonstrated the playful side of physics by performing somersaults in mid-air, illustrating the unique freedom of microgravity.

A Legacy of Exploration

This event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of outreach in space exploration. By connecting directly with students, Meir is helping to humanize the experience of being an astronaut while encouraging young minds to pursue ambitious goals in science and exploration. As she continues her eight-month stint on the ISS, her story remains a point of pride for the UBC community and a testament to the global impact of Canadian-educated researchers.

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