![\"Canadian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Canadian_Space_Agency_Prime_Minister_Carney_joins_CSA_astronaut.jpg\"\/ "\\"Canadian")
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During their conversation, Prime Minister Carney highlighted the significance of Canada\u2019s role in human space exploration and reaffirmed the Government of Canada\u2019s commitment to science, innovation, and international collaboration. He noted that missions like Artemis II demonstrate what Canadians can achieve through perseverance, teamwork, and a shared commitment to excellence.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister praised Colonel Hansen for embodying the values Canadians hold dear, including discipline, humility, and hard work. He emphasized that seeing a Canadian astronaut represent the country on the world stage, and in space, is a source of deep national pride and a powerful reminder of Canada\u2019s contributions to global exploration.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Carney also reflected on the impact of space exploration in inspiring the next generation, noting that moments like this encourage young Canadians to pursue their interest in science and technology, and to imagine their own role in shaping the future.<\/p>\n
Quotes<\/p>\n
\u201cColonel Hansen has made history as the first Canadian to venture to the Moon \u2013 a testament to his exceptional skill, and to the decades of discipline, dedication, and perseverance that brought him to this moment. It is also a testament to Canada and our world-class science, our cutting-edge technology, and our remarkable astronauts. Together with our American partners, we have pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible, opened a bold new frontier in space exploration. Following the Artemis\u00a0II crew has united us all in wonder, and we wish them a safe return to Earth.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada<\/p>\n
\u201cFor Canada, this mission started with a bold vision and a deep-rooted faith in Canadian know-how. Today, we can proudly say that our country is helping write a page of space exploration history.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jeremy Hansen, Canadian Space Agency astronaut<\/p>\n
Quick facts<\/p>\n
CSA astronaut Jenni Gibbons was on console at NASA\u2019s Mission Control Center during the space-to-Earth connection to support the Artemis II crew. Associated links Website: www.asc-csa.gc.ca<\/a> SOURCE Canadian Space Agency<\/p>\n
\nArtemis II, launched on April 1, is the first crewed test flight of the multi-mission Artemis campaign<\/a>, which is set to build the expertise for\u00a0a lasting return to the Moon and lay an important foundation for deep-space exploration to more distant destinations like Mars.
\nCanada has a seat on Artemis II thanks to decades of contributions and strategic investments, notably in space robotics systems, proving that Canada\u2019s expertise is instrumental to space exploration endeavours.
\nWhen they reached the furthest point of the mission, 406,773 kilometres away from Earth, the crew surpassed the record for human spaceflight\u2019s farthest distance previously set by Apollo 13.
\nDuring the lunar flyby, the Orion capsule passed within approximately 6,545\u00a0kilometres of the Moon\u2019s surface at its closest approach.
\nBy the end of the mission, CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen will have travelled more than 2\u00a0million kilometres over approximately 10 days along with his crewmates, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Artemis II: Destination Moon<\/a>
CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen\u2019s biography<\/a>
Information kit \u2013 Artemis II mission<\/a><\/p>\n
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