Artemis II mission launches historic journey to the Moon with Canadian astronaut aboard

NASA’s Space Launch System soared into the sky from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39B on April 1, 2026, marking the start of the long-awaited Artemis II mission. Onboard the Orion spacecraft were four astronauts: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, an astronaut representing the Canadian Space Agency. This mission will embark on a 10-day voyage that takes the crew around the Moon and back to Earth.

As an avid space enthusiast from Canada who has witnessed 11 launches over the past 14 years, including manned missions and interplanetary explorations, the launch of Artemis II struck a deeply personal chord with me. The rocket’s brilliance was almost blinding as it lifted off, an event accompanied by a cacophony of sound that echoed in the minutes following the launch. Surrounded by seasoned photographers at the press site, we erupted in cheers and shouts of “TO THE MOON!” as the historic mission unfolded.

Now, nearly 16 hours post-launch, I find myself at Orlando airport, trying to channel a sense of calm amid the caffeine-induced buzz and sleep deprivation. I can’t help but reflect on the extraordinary nature of this moment. For the first time in three decades, there is a Canadian astronaut on a Moon mission—a wish I had long nurtured. Although I have been aware of Hansen’s upcoming journey for some time, seeing it become a reality is still astonishing.

The excitement was palpable as I joined a contingent of Canadian reporters for the crew’s walkout. This meticulously choreographed event ensured the astronauts stood in their designated positions, allowing me to catch a glimpse of Hansen as he emerged from the quarantine facility. Holding a small maple leaf flag I had picked up at a celebratory event the night prior, I waved as he acknowledged us with a smile and a thumbs-up before heading off to fulfill his dream. This moment came after 17 years of dedicated service on the ground.

Since Hansen was announced as part of this mission three years ago, I have felt a profound sense of duty to document this historic event. Having been in journalism for 25 years and yearning for a Moon mission for just as long, obtaining press access to Kennedy Space Center was a career milestone shaped by community support and serendipity.

In the days leading up to launch, I made it a priority to support my fellow reporters amidst technical challenges and tight deadlines. While juggling my commitments to various clients outside of Artemis II, I communicated with those close to me about my temporary unavailability, reassuring them about my dedication to the mission.

At the Kennedy Space Center, a prevailing sense of urgency lingered among the 700 reporters gathered for the launch. While deeply invested in this momentous occasion, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the world beyond our gathering was filled with pressing issues and anxieties that might overshadow our ambitions in space. Nonetheless, as we cast our gaze to the stars, I find myself holding on to a glimmer of hope—an emotion that this mission evokes, despite the challenges that life presents.

As the Artemis II mission unfolds, I’ll be closely following developments online and in the media. I wish our astronaut crew safe travels as they embark on their monumental journey to the Moon and back home. The significance of this mission extends beyond mere exploration; it serves as a reminder of the possibilities that inspire us all.