Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and three Artemis II crew members met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa on May 13, 2026 [1], [2].

The visit highlights the international cooperation required for deep-space exploration and aims to inspire a new generation of Canadians to pursue careers in science and technology.

During the event at the National Arts Centre, Hansen was joined by crew members Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Reid Wiseman [1]. The four astronauts [1] participated in a Q&A session to discuss the first crewed lunar flyby [3]. The mission represents a critical step in returning humans to the moon and preparing for future Mars exploration.

Prime Minister Carney spoke about the impact of the mission on the Canadian public. "Your mission around the moon inspired a country," Carney said [2]. He said that the government and the public followed every move the crew made during their journey [3].

Hansen emphasized the importance of sharing the mission's lessons with the public. "We’re excited to share our experiences with Canadians and talk about the future of space exploration," Hansen said [1]. The astronauts also received a gift from space during their time in the capital.

The Ottawa visit was part of an event-filled day for the crew, which included discussions on the future of space missions and the role of international partnerships [1], [4]. The meeting took place shortly before the Prime Minister convened a virtual cabinet huddle [5].

While the crew focused on the technical achievements of the Artemis II mission, the dialogue in Ottawa also touched upon the broader implications of space travel, including the necessity of resilience in the face of failure and the impact of global geopolitical tensions on scientific collaboration [1].

“"Your mission around the moon inspired a country."”

The presence of the Artemis II crew in Canada underscores the strategic importance of the Canada-US space partnership. By leveraging the visibility of Jeremy Hansen, the Canadian government is signaling its commitment to the Artemis program, ensuring that Canada maintains a leadership role in the next era of lunar exploration and the subsequent transition to Martian missions.