Colonel Jeremy Hansen has announced his retirement from his full-time space agency role after completing just one mission to space with NASA.
The Canadian astronaut was among the four-person Artemis II crew that made history earlier this year by traveling around the moon.
Although the landmark flight marked Colonel Hansen’s first trip beyond Earth, he has now confirmed it will also be his last.
Sharing the news on X, Hansen 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,” he added.
The announcement prompted an emotional reaction from supporters, with one fan saying Hansen’s departure felt “too soon.”
Another admirer wrote: “Can only imagine how you top circling the moon. But I imagine you will.”
A third user 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?”
Colonel Jeremy Hansen has dramatically retired, after just one mission with NASA
The Canadian astronaut was one of four members of the Artemis II team, who made history earlier this year by flying around the moon. Pictured (from left): Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch
While Colonel Hansen has only been to space once, he has been an astronaut since 2009, when he was selected through the CSA’s astronaut recruitment campaign.
In 2013, he took part in a mission here on Earth, dubbed the CAVES program, in which he lived underground for six days.
The following year, he lived on the ocean floor in the Aquarius habitat for seven days.
However, it was not until 2023 that he was finally selected for a mission into space – being assigned as mission specialist for Artemis II, the first crewed mission to the moon since the Apollo missions over 50 years ago.
From 1–10 April, Colonel Hansen and his crewmates – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch – travelled around the moon and back aboard the Orion spacecraft.
The crew made history by travelling farther than any humans in history, breaking the record previously held by the crew of Apollo 13.
Colonel Hansen also became the first Canadian and first non–American 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.
Colonel Hansen became the first Canadian and first non–American to take part in a lunar mission
From 1–10 April, Colonel Hansen and his crewmates – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch – travelled around the moon and back aboard the Orion spacecraft
‘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.’
While Colonel Hansen is retiring, he says this is ‘far from a departure.’
‘To ensure continuity in this mission, the Royal Canadian Air Force is enabling my transition into a Reservist role,’ he explained.
‘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.’
The news comes shortly after NASA revealed its all–male crew for the Artemis III mission.
NASA’s Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio and Andrew Douglas will join European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Luca Parmitano in orbital tests ahead of the lunar landing.
Scheduled for 2027, Artemis III will test rendezvous and docking operations between the Orion spacecraft and commercial human landers in low–Earth orbit as part of preparations for future lunar exploration.
But the reveal of the crew quickly drew criticism on social media, where users pointed out that none of the astronauts selected for the historic mission are women.
