Jeremy Hansen announces retirement from service as Canadian astronaut

Following an amazing spaceflight with the Artemis 2 mission, Jeremy Hansen has announced his retirement as a Canadian Space Agency astronaut.

After 17 years in Canada's astronaut core, and his first trip to space taking him on an incredible journey around the Moon, on July 6, 2026, Jeremy Hansen announced his intention to step back from full-time service with the CSA.

"Today, I am sharing a significant next step in my journey," Hansen wrote in a statement posted to his official Instagram account. "This September, after 32 years of military service and 17 years as a Canadian Space Agency astronaut—culminating in the incredible privilege of flying around the Moon on Artemis II—I will be transitioning from my full-time role at the CSA."

"This is far from a departure," Hansen continued. "My commitment to seeing Canada thrive remains absolute. To ensure continuity in this mission, the Royal Canadian Air Force is enabling my transition into a Reservist role. This unique position is a deliberate launchpad designed to leave the door open for creative, ongoing ways to support and enable the vital work happening in Canada with respect to space, and I'm excited for the new challenges it will bring."

Hansen is shown here from his official announcement as part of the Artemis 2 mission, from 2023. (NASA/ESA/CSA)

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"Our future depends on a fierce continuation of Canadian innovation and exploration in space," he stated. "The technological breakthroughs and economic benefits born from this sector are vital for our country and the world, and I am as determined as ever to push that work forward."

"To the Canadian Armed Forces, the CSA, NASA, our international partners, and my family: thank you. And to all Canadians: thank you for believing in what our country can achieve when we aim high."

"The mission continues," he concluded.

Hansen smiles while on a break from taking pictures of the lunar surface during the Artemis 2 Moon flyby. (NASA/ESA/CSA)

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Hansen has been flying since earning his pilot's license in 1993, at the age of 17. Shortly after, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces, advancing into officer training and becoming a CF-18 fighter pilot by 2004. He served in that role for five years, until he was chosen to be part of Canada's astronaut core, along with David Saint-Jacques, in 2009.

After completing his astronaut training in 2011, he participated in several missions, living underground as he took part in the European Space Agency's CAVES program, and on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean during NASA's NEEMO 19 mission. He was also the first Canadian to lead NASA's astronaut training program, and served as Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) for various expeditions on the International Space Station.

In recognition of Canada's contributions to the Artemis program, Hansen was chosen as a mission specialist for the Artemis 2 mission in 2023. After roughly three years of extensive training, he and his NASA crewmates — mission commander Reid Wiseman, Orion pilot Victor Glover, and fellow mission specialist Christina Koch — blasted off from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026 for a 10 day flight around the Moon.

The Moon eclipses the Sun from the perspective of the Artemis 2 Orion spacecraft, producing this amazing view as sunlight glints off space dust around the Moon. (NASA/ESA/CSA)

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"Colonel Jeremy Hansen made history as the first Canadian to take part in a lunar mission, an achievement that has inspired every generation of Canadian. His extraordinary achievements have not only advanced Canada's role in space exploration but have shown young Canadians what is possible when talent, determination and ambition are matched with opportunity," Mélanie Joly, Canada's Minister of Industry, said in a CSA press release.

"Through his distinguished 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. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to pursue careers in science, innovation, and discovery. I thank Colonel Hansen for his remarkable service to Canada and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career."