Prime Minister Mark Carney extended a warm welcome to the Artemis II astronauts during their visit to Ottawa, praising their recent journey around the moon as a source of inspiration for the entire nation. Carney emphasized the importance of teamwork, dedication, courage, and human ingenuity, hailing the astronauts for their achievements and the motivation they have instilled in Canadians.
The Artemis II crew, consisting of Canadian astronauts Jeremy Hansen and backup Jenni Gibbons, along with NASA astronauts commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialist Christina Koch, are on a visit to Ottawa and Montreal from Wednesday to Friday to share insights from their mission.
During their stay in Canada, the astronauts are engaging in various public events, interacting with students, connecting with stakeholders in the Canadian space sector, and participating in a limited number of interviews. The crew’s mission, which involved orbiting the moon and returning to Earth, marked a significant milestone in NASA’s objective to send humans back to the moon and lay the groundwork for future crewed missions to Mars.
Expressing gratitude for the support and recognizing the risks involved in the mission, Carney and Hansen exchanged symbolic gifts, highlighting the shared journey of exploration and discovery. The crew also participated in a public discussion at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, where they addressed the decision to revisit the moon and interacted with young audiences.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during their preparation, Hansen emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration within the crew, drawing parallels to broader international relationships. The day concluded with a session at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., where the crew interacted with parliamentarians and other key stakeholders to share insights from their mission.