Prime Minister Mark Carney lauded the Artemis II moon mission as a remarkable display of global collaboration and its potential to inspire. He spoke with the mission’s crew on Wednesday evening, expressing his admiration for their groundbreaking work.

A Historic Mission & Canadian Pride

The Artemis II crew consists of commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen. Jeremy Hansen made history last week as the first Canadian to venture into deep space when the Orion spacecraft departed Earth’s orbit towards the moon. Prime Minister Carney conveyed Canada’s immense pride in Hansen’s achievement.

Focus on Collaboration and Risk

Hansen, however, highlighted Canada’s significant contributions to space exploration. During the conversation, Prime Minister Carney inquired about the risks inherent in the Artemis II mission. He emphasized the importance of calculated risk-taking and fostering collaboration, offering advice to Canadian youth.

Crew Interactions & Mission Details

The discussion with the Artemis II crew also covered topics like risk assessment and the astronauts’ preferred wake-up music. Hansen emphasized the need for strategic risk-taking, noting that bold actions often face criticism. Prime Minister Carney extended an invitation to the crew to visit Canada upon their return, playfully referencing a debate over hazelnut spread versus maple syrup.

Training & Artistic Representation

Commander Wiseman shared his experiences from a week-long training session in Montreal prior to his 2014 mission to the International Space Station, emphasizing the lasting friendships formed. The call, the third and final space-to-Earth connection organized by the Canadian Space Agency, was livestreamed from the John H. Chapman Space Centre in Longueuil, Que. Hansen showcased a unique patch designed by Anishinaabe artist Henry Guimond.

Preparing for Return & Record-Breaking Distance

The capsule is currently on its trajectory back to Earth, scheduled for a splashdown on Friday in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, Calif. NASA has released new images of the moon captured by the Artemis II crew and provided details about their observations during the lunar flyby.

New Distance Record & Health Monitoring

The mission achieved a new milestone on Monday, becoming the farthest humans have traveled from Earth, reaching 406,771 kilometers – surpassing the 400,171-kilometer record set by Apollo 13 in 1970. The astronauts also tested the 'orthostatic intolerance garment' to help maintain blood pressure and minimize dizziness during re-entry.

Lunar Features & Re-entry Preparations

The Artemis II astronauts had the opportunity to name two lunar craters. They are now preparing for the fiery re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere, securing equipment and adjusting their seats for the return phase.