Canadian astronaut circling Earth after successful Artemis II lunar launch

By Canadian Press on April 2, 2026.

CAPE CANAVERAL — Canadian Jeremy Hansen is one of four astronauts circling Earth in a historic lunar mission after Artemis II successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday.

On board with Hansen are veteran NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch.

The mission is expected to initially stay close to Earth in order to test systems before the astronauts fire the main engine to propel the spacecraft to the moon — marking humanity’s first return in more than 50 years.

The 10-day journey will make Hansen the first non-American to travel beyond low Earth orbit.

Just before the final countdown, Hansen said: “We are going for all humanity.”

NASA’s future plans for a sustainable moon base hinged on Wednesday’s launch going forward.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 2, 2026.

— With files from The Associated Press

Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press

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