In a full circle moment, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen delivered the keynote speech at St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation’s Tribute Dinner at RBC Place London on Wednesday. Hansen, who was born at St. Joseph’s, talked about his historic trip on the Artemis II mission that travelled around the Moon in April and how it is a sign of hope for humanity. Free Press reporter Brian Williams caught up with Hansen before the dinner.
Q: What was it like to look back at Earth from space?
A: I guess it’s awe. You know, (I) really look for the better word, but there really isn’t one. Awe sort of represents this sentiment that you have of you’re in reverence to it, and you’re just kind of blown away by it . . . The first time I looked out the window, I saw the Indian Ocean. . . The next time I looked out the window was Australia, and that was such a such red colour. . . I saw all of North America, and because we were already getting really far away from the planet, and so that I can still see sort of like Hudson Bay, that carveout, just like we’re used to seeing it on a map, sitting there and all of Canada below and around it, it’s just absolute awe.
Q: What’s more nerve-racking: space travel, or public speaking at an event like this?
A: I don’t really get nervous anymore, but I definitely used to, so I’m not nervous tonight. But I also wasn’t nervous on the launch pad or re-entry really, and it’s not a bravado thing. Normally you would, but I think you’re so prepared for those acute, high-risk moments. So much training, you’re sort of in this different mental state, and one where really the best thing you can do is be relaxed and be attentive, and that made it really fun for me to enjoy the launch, like I really remember it. I wasn’t sort of hanging on by the edge of my fingertips. I was really present. I was listening and paying attention (to) all the feels, and (was) very much at peace with that moment.