Prime Minister Mark Carney extended a warm welcome to the Artemis II astronauts during their visit to Ottawa, emphasizing how their recent journey around the moon has served as a source of inspiration for the entire nation. In a meeting at his office, Carney commended the astronauts for showcasing the power of teamwork, dedication, courage, and human ingenuity, stating that their achievements signify just the beginning of what is possible. He expressed gratitude for their efforts and the motivation they have provided to the public.
The Artemis II crew, comprising Canadian astronauts Jeremy Hansen and backup Jenni Gibbons, along with NASA astronauts Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch, are engaging in a series of events in Ottawa and Montreal from Wednesday to Friday to share their experiences from the mission.
During their stay in Canada, the astronauts are participating in various public activities, interacting with students, engaging with stakeholders in the Canadian space sector, and conducting a limited number of interviews. The Artemis II mission, which involved the crew departing from Earth on April 1 to orbit the moon and return, marked a historic milestone as they traveled farther from the planet than any other human in history.
This journey represents NASA’s initial step towards sending humans back to the moon and lays the groundwork for future crewed missions to Mars. While acknowledging the risks involved in such endeavors, Carney emphasized that these risks pave the way for greater opportunities in space exploration.
Hansen expressed his appreciation for the warm reception in Ottawa after the isolation of space, highlighting Canada’s capabilities on the global stage. He underscored that the Artemis II mission is just one step in a longer journey and expressed eagerness to contribute to future endeavors. As a gesture of appreciation, Hansen presented Carney with a framed maple leaf patch that flew with the crew during the mission.
In return, Carney presented Hansen with the Canadian flag that flew over Parliament’s Peace Tower on the day the Orion spacecraft landed in the ocean following their mission. The crew also participated in a public event at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, engaging in discussions about humanity’s return to the moon and fielding questions from children present.
During the event, Hansen touched upon the importance of teamwork and unity, drawing parallels to global relationships, including the Canada-U.S. dynamic. He emphasized the genuine interdependence and love within the crew, highlighting the collective efforts needed to overcome challenges.
In the evening, the crew transitioned to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., where they engaged with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, further discussing their mission and its significance.