Jeremy Hansen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Colonel
Jeremy Hansen
CD FRCGS
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Hansen in 2023
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| Born |
Jeremy Roger Hansen
January 27, 1976 London, Ontario, Canada
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| Alma mater | Royal Military College (BSc, MSc) |
| Spouse(s) | Catherine Hansen |
| Children | 3 |
| Awards |
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| Space career | |
| CSA astronaut | |
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Time in space
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9 days, 1 hour, 32 minutes |
| Selection |
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| Missions | Artemis II |
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Mission insignia
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| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  Canada |
| Service/ |
 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Air Force. |
| Years of service | 1994–present |
| Rank | Colonel |
Jeremy Roger Hansen (born January 27, 1976) is a brave Royal Canadian Air Force colonel and a CSA astronaut from Canada. He made history as a crew member on the Artemis II mission. On this mission, he became the first non-American to travel beyond Earth's usual orbit and journey close to the Moon.
Colonel Hansen and the rest of the Artemis II crew also traveled farther from Earth than almost any other humans before them, setting a new distance record.
Before becoming an astronaut, Hansen was chosen by the Canadian Space Agency in 2009. He was a captain in the Royal Canadian Air Force, flying CF-18 fighter jets. Later, he was promoted to the rank of colonel.
Contents
Jeremy Hansen: Canada's Moon Explorer
Early Life and Learning
Growing Up and Joining Air Cadets
Jeremy Roger Hansen was born in London, Ontario, Canada, on January 27, 1976. He grew up on a farm near Ailsa Craig before his family moved to Ingersoll.
When he was 12 years old, Jeremy joined the 614 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. This program helps young people learn about aviation and leadership.
University Studies and Space Science
After finishing high school, Hansen attended the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario. In 1999, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in space science.
He continued his studies and received a Master of Science degree in physics in 2000. His research focused on how to track satellites across a wide area of the sky.
Training for Space Missions
Exploring Caves and Underwater Worlds
Astronauts need to be ready for many challenges. In 2013, Hansen took part in the European Space Agency's CAVES training program. This program sends astronauts into deep caves in Sardinia to practice teamwork and exploration in extreme environments. He was called a "cavenaut" during this training.
In 2014, Hansen also became an "aquanaut" for the NEEMO 19 mission. This mission involved living and working underwater in the Aquarius underwater laboratory for seven days. These experiences helped him prepare for the unique conditions of space.
The Historic Artemis II Mission
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On April 3, 2023, it was announced that Jeremy Hansen would be the first Canadian to travel near the Moon. This incredible journey was part of the Artemis II mission.
The Artemis II mission launched on April 1, 2026. As a mission specialist, Hansen flew around the Moon on April 6, 2026. The crew then returned to Earth, splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2026.
This mission was a huge milestone. Hansen became the first astronaut who is not American to travel beyond low Earth orbit. He was also the first non-American to journey to the area around the Moon. Along with his fellow crew members, he traveled farther from Earth than almost anyone else in history.
Life Beyond Space Training
Jeremy Hansen is married to Catherine Hansen, who is a medical doctor. They have three children.
He is very interested in Indigenous knowledge and cultures. The special patch for his Artemis II mission was designed by an Anishinaabe artist, Henry Guimond. The design was inspired by the Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers.
In his free time, Hansen enjoys exciting outdoor activities. His hobbies include mountain biking, rock climbing, and sailboating.
Awards and Recognitions
Jeremy Hansen has received many honours for his service and achievements:
- Canadian Forces' Decoration – for 12 years of service (October 2006)
- Royal Canadian Air Force pilot wings (May 2002)
- Clancy Scheldrup Memorial Trophy – for being an outstanding graduate on the Basic Flying Course (2001)
- Air Cadet League of Canada Award – for being the top air force graduate from the Royal Military College of Canada (May 1999)
- Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (FRCGS)
- Gold Medal of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (2014)
- Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)
- King Charles III Coronation Medal – for his contribution to the coronation (May 2023)
- Canada's flag bearer for the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla
- Calgary Stampede Parade Marshal (2023)
See also
In Spanish: Jeremy Hansen para niños
