Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen has shared detailed insights into his experience aboard Artemis II, describing it as both a historic and deeply personal journey. Speaking after the mission, Hansen emphasized that strong mental preparation helped him manage the risks of space travel, allowing him to stay focused and calm throughout the mission.
The Artemis II mission, launched on April 1 from Kennedy Space Center, marked a major milestone in modern space exploration. Over the course of nine days, Hansen and his crewmates — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch — travelled around the Moon and safely returned to Earth with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The mission set a new record for the farthest distance humans have travelled from Earth.
Hansen explained that while the journey involved real risks, he maintained a positive mindset. He acknowledged that there was always a possibility of not returning, but chose to focus on enjoying the experience and staying mentally prepared. This mindset helped him remain steady during critical moments of the mission.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the journey was observing the Moon up close. Hansen described noticing subtle variations in its surface, including layers and textures that revealed its geological history. He also recalled witnessing a rare solar eclipse from space, where the Moon appeared completely dark, surrounded by a glowing halo from the Sun’s outer atmosphere.
The mission also highlighted the importance of teamwork. According to Hansen, the crew developed a strong bond during their time in space. Living and working together in extreme conditions strengthened their relationship, with the team describing how they “launched as friends and returned as best friends.” This sense of unity played a key role in the mission’s success.
As a first-time space traveller, Hansen said he was unsure how his body would react to zero gravity. However, he experienced no motion sickness and adapted quickly, which he described as a relief and a positive surprise.
The success of Artemis II has paved the way for future missions. NASA plans to build on this achievement with upcoming missions that aim to land astronauts on the Moon again, with a long-term goal of advancing human exploration deeper into space.
Hansen concluded that the mission proved what can be achieved through collaboration and ambition. Despite feeling small when viewing Earth from space, he said the experience reinforced the idea that humanity can achieve powerful results when working together.
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