Colonel Jeremy Hansen, a mission specialist on NASA's Artemis II, has announced his retirement from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) after 17 years. Hansen's retirement comes after his singular spaceflight, a lunar flyby mission aboard the Orion spacecraft earlier this year. He stated on X that he will be transitioning from his full-time role at the CSA in September, after 32 years of military service.
Hansen was part of the four-person Artemis II crew, which achieved a historic lunar flyby from April 1 to April 10. The mission traveled farther than any humans in history, surpassing the record set by Apollo 13. During the mission, Hansen became the first Canadian and the first non-American to participate in a lunar mission. He described the experience as an incredible privilege.
"Today, I am sharing a significant next step in my journey," Hansen wrote on X. "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 Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, commended Hansen's achievements, stating, "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. 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."
Hansen, who has been an astronaut since 2009, previously participated in Earth-based simulations including the CAVES program and lived in the Aquarius habitat on the ocean floor. His selection for Artemis II in 2023 marked his first mission into space.
The Artemis II crew consisted of Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen. The mission objective was to complete a lunar flyby and test systems for future lunar landings.
While retiring from his full-time role, Hansen stated this is "far from a departure." The Royal Canadian Air Force will facilitate his transition into a Reservist role, allowing him to continue supporting Canada's space initiatives. "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," he explained.
His retirement announcement follows NASA's recent reveal of the all-male crew for the Artemis III mission, scheduled for 2027. That mission will involve orbital tests in preparation for lunar landings and has drawn criticism on social media for its lack of female astronauts. "Our future depends on a fierce continuation of Canadian innovation and exploration in space," Hansen added. "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."