Colonel Jeremy Hansen has announced a major career shift, confirming he will step away from his full-time role after completing just one spaceflight with NASA. The Canadian astronaut was part of the four-person Artemis II crew that made history earlier this year by travelling around the moon. Although the mission marked Hansen’s first journey into space, he has now revealed it will also be his last as an active full-time astronaut. In a post on X, he wrote: “Today, I am sharing a significant next step in my journey. This September, 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.” The announcement disappointed many supporters, with one fan saying his retirement had come “too soon.”
Another commenter wrote: “Can only imagine how you top circling the moon. But I imagine you will.” A third struck a more mysterious tone, asking: “Many astronauts step down from active space flight duty after returning to earth. What do you guys see up there that you don’t want to go back?” Hansen may have flown in space only once, but his astronaut career began in 2009, when he was chosen through the Canadian Space Agency’s recruitment process. In 2013, he participated in the CAVES program, spending six days underground as part of a mission simulation on Earth. A year later, he lived for seven days on the ocean floor inside the Aquarius habitat. His long wait for a space assignment ended in 2023, when he was named mission specialist for Artemis II, the first crewed lunar mission since the Apollo era more than half a century ago.
Historic Artemis II mission
Between April 1 and April 10, Hansen flew aboard the Orion spacecraft with Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, completing a journey around the moon and back. The crew set a new human spaceflight distance record, surpassing the mark previously held by Apollo 13. Hansen also became both the first Canadian and the first non-American astronaut to take part in a lunar mission. “Colonel Jeremy Hansen made history as the first Canadian to take part in a lunar mission, an achievement that has inspired every generation of Canadian,” said The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “His extraordinary achievements have not only advanced Canada’s role in space exploration but have shown young Canadians what is possible when talent, determination and ambition are matched with opportunity.”
Despite retiring from his full-time post, Hansen stressed that the move is “far from a departure.” He explained: “To ensure continuity in this mission, the Royal Canadian Air Force is enabling my transition into a Reservist role. This unique position is 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, and I’m excited for the new challenges it will bring. Our future depends on a fierce continuation of Canadian innovation and exploration in space. The technological breakthroughs and economic benefits born from this sector are vital for our country and the world, and I am as determined as ever to push that work forward. To the Canadian Armed Forces, the CSA, NASA, our international partners, and my family: thank you. And to all Canadians: thank you for believing in what our country can achieve when we aim high. The mission continues.”
Artemis III crew announcement sparks debate
Hansen’s announcement follows NASA’s recent unveiling of an all-male crew connected to the Artemis III mission. NASA astronauts Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio and Andrew Douglas are set to join European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano for orbital testing ahead of the planned lunar landing. Artemis III, scheduled for 2027, will include tests of rendezvous and docking procedures between the Orion spacecraft and commercial human landing systems in low-Earth orbit, supporting preparations for future missions to the moon. However, the crew announcement quickly sparked criticism online, with social media users noting that no women were included among the astronauts selected for the high-profile mission.
