WASHINGTON, DC – Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, set to become the first Canadian to orbit the moon, expressed both awe and the realization of the immense challenges posed by lunar travel during an update on the Artemis II mission at the Kennedy Space Center. The Artemis II mission is the first crewed voyage to lunar space in over 50 years.
Hansen, along with three American crew members, described their encounter with the spacecraft systems, hardware, and personnel that will launch them into space as early as November 2024. While Hansen conveyed his enthusiasm, he humorously acknowledged the arduous nature of the mission, stating, “It’s harder than I thought.”
Artemis II’s timeline for November 2024 remains intact, although officials concede that changes are possible due to the complexities of aligning various components and variables required for a successful mission.
Artemis II will mark Canada and the U.S. as the only countries to venture beyond the dark side of the moon. Following two orbits around Earth, the crew will travel hundreds of thousands of kilometers in a figure-eight trajectory around the moon before returning.
This mission serves as a precursor to Artemis’ next phase, aiming to land both a man and woman on the moon by 2025 to further the goal of sending astronauts to Mars. Hansen highlighted the importance of learning from the process, as he believes success lies not solely in achieving final objectives but also in the ongoing learning experiences.
Although the Artemis II crew primarily comprises Americans, international excitement for the Artemis project remains strong, especially in Canada. Challenges persist, particularly with Artemis III, the mission intended to land on the lunar surface. NASA will closely monitor key contractors’ adherence to the schedule, including SpaceX, which plans to deliver the Artemis III crew and their lunar lander.
Issues with the heat shield and SpaceX’s need for successful launches raise concerns, with safety being paramount. NASA intends to analyze the root cause of any anomalies and make necessary adjustments to ensure the mission’s safety and success.
Despite the challenges, the Artemis project continues to draw worldwide attention and excitement, with hopes of achieving significant advancements in lunar exploration and space travel.