Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen announced on Monday his decision to step down from his position as a full-time astronaut, just months after his historic journey around the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis II mission.
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Hansen, 50, revealed on Instagram that he will transition from his position at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), emphasizing that this change is “far from departure.” He termed his new role as “an intentional launching pad designed to keep the door open for innovative and ongoing support of vital Canadian space initiatives.”
He will maintain his commitment to the Royal Canadian Air Force as a reservist.
“Thank you to the Canadian Armed Forces, CSA, NASA, international partners, and my family,” he expressed. “And thank you, Canadians, for believing that if our country sets high goals, we can accomplish them. The mission continues.”
Hansen has dedicated 32 years to the Royal Canadian Air Force and 17 years to the CSA, according to the agency.
In 2013, he participated in the CAVES program, spending six days living underground as per CSA reports. He also took part in the NEEMO program in 2014, where he spent seven days living and working underwater in the Aquarius habitat. In 2017, Hansen made history as the first Canadian to lead NASA’s astronaut class, training astronauts from both the U.S. and Canada.
“Through his service in the Royal Canadian Air Force and invaluable contributions to Canada’s space program, he has exemplified the very best of Canadian leadership and excellence,” stated Canadian Defense Minister David J. McGuinty. “His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to pursue careers in science, innovation, and discovery.”
In April, Hansen, along with three American astronauts, participated in NASA’s Artemis II mission – the first manned flight to the Moon in over 50 years.
The Artemis II crew set remarkable records, including being the first humans to journey that far from Earth, the first to see the far side of the Moon in real-time, and the first astronauts to witness a solar eclipse from lunar terrain.
“I feel incredibly humbled,” Hansen remarked to NBC News during an interview from space. “The fact that the four of us can be here is simply overwhelming.”
He noted that images of Earth and the Moon captured during the mission fall short of the actual views experienced by the astronauts.
“I know those photos are impressive,” he said, “but let me assure you that witnessing this is on a whole other level.”
Source: www.nbcnews.com
