Jeremy Hansen, the Canadian astronaut who made history as part of NASA’s Artemis II mission, will be leaving the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to pursue new professional opportunities, the agency announced Monday. Hansen, who recently completed a groundbreaking journey around the moon, will depart the CSA in September but will remain a reservist with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Hansen’s departure marks the end of an era for the 50-year-old London, Ontario native, who in April became the first non-American to travel beyond low Earth orbit and the first person to speak French while en route to the moon. The Artemis II mission, which included commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialist Christina Koch, was the first crewed flight around the moon in over five decades. The crew traveled more than 406,000 kilometres from Earth, setting a new milestone for human space exploration in preparation for future missions, including a planned lunar landing in 2028 and eventual human travel to Mars.

In a social media post, Hansen described his new position as a “deliberate launch pad” that will allow him to continue supporting Canada’s space efforts in innovative ways. He emphasized the importance of ongoing Canadian innovation and exploration, noting the significance of technological advancements and economic benefits derived from the space sector. “I am as determined as ever to push that work forward,” he said.

Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement recognizing Hansen’s “extraordinary” contributions, highlighting that Canada became only the second country to send an astronaut on a lunar mission through Artemis II. Carney praised Hansen’s skill, dedication, and perseverance, linking his achievements to the legacy of other prominent Canadian astronauts such as Marc Garneau, Roberta Bondar, and Chris Hadfield. The prime minister acknowledged Hansen’s role in inspiring Canadians and advancing the country’s position in space exploration.

Hansen joined the Canadian Space Agency in 2009 after a career as a fighter pilot. He completed astronaut candidate training in 2011 and served as a capsule communicator (capcom) at NASA’s mission control in Houston, facilitating communication with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Since returning from the mission, he has shared his experiences publicly and engaged with policymakers in Canada and the United States.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman also thanked Hansen for representing the Canadian Space Agency with “utmost distinction.” He commended Hansen’s humility, precision, and professionalism throughout years of training and during the Artemis II mission. Isaacman noted that the Artemis II crew has passed the torch to the upcoming Artemis III mission, which aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface.

As Hansen transitions to his next career phase, both Canadian and international space officials acknowledge his pivotal role in advancing human spaceflight and inspiring future generations of explorers.