Jeremy Hansen is a Canadian astronaut, former CF-18 fighter pilot and one of the most significant figures in Canadian space exploration. In 2026, Jeremy made history aboard Artemis II as the first Canadian and first non-American to travel on a lunar mission, joining NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch on the first crewed flight of the Artemis campaign. Travelling around the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft Integrity, the crew journeyed farther from Earth than any humans before them. Following an extraordinary career spanning military aviation, astronaut training and space exploration, Jeremy continues to champion Canada's ambitions in space and the spirit of discovery.
Jeremy's fascination with aviation began early when he joined the Royal Canadian Air Cadets aged 12. He earned his glider pilot wings at 16 and a private pilot licence at 17 before entering Officer Training with the Canadian Armed Forces. Jeremy graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada with an honours bachelor's degree in Space Science in 1999. After completing CF-18 Fighter Pilot Training in 2003, he served with 441 and 409 Tactical Fighter Squadrons and worked as Combat Operations Officer at 4 Wing Operations, contributing to NORAD operations, deployed exercises and Arctic flying operations.
In 2009, Jeremy was selected as one of two recruits from the Canadian Space Agency's third astronaut recruitment campaign. After completing astronaut training in 2011, he worked as a CAPCOM at NASA's Mission Control Center, communicating directly with crews aboard the International Space Station. His preparation for exploration included six days underground during the European Space Agency's CAVES programme in 2013 and seven days living beneath the ocean during NASA's NEEMO 19 mission in 2014. In 2017, Jeremy became the first Canadian entrusted with leading a NASA astronaut candidate class, further establishing his reputation for leadership within the international space community.
Jeremy was selected for Artemis II in 2023 before completing the historic lunar mission in 2026. During almost 10 days in space, the crew travelled more than 1.1 million kilometres and surpassed the distance record established by Apollo 13. His active Canadian Space Agency astronaut career concluded in September 2026 as he moved towards new professional opportunities while continuing to serve as a Royal Canadian Air Force Reservist and advocate for Canada's future in space. Drawing on fighter aviation, astronaut training and historic lunar exploration, Jeremy is an exceptional speaker on leadership, teamwork, calculated risk, resilience, innovation and performing effectively in high-pressure environments.
