Artemis II: Jeremy Hansen and Canadian PM Mark Carney discuss global collaboration, maple syrup and more

Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, a crew member of the Artemis II mission who made history by becoming the first non-American to venture into deep space, recently spoke with the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney. This was the final live space-to-Earth connection hosted by the CSA. “I am absolutely thrilled to be speaking with you, Jeremy, and the crew. We have all been watching and inspired by what you are doing," began PM Carney. Hansen’s response, translated from French, was, “First, it is an honor to have the Prime Minister here aboard Integrity with us. So, thank you very much."

PM Carney led with a question about teamwork and collaboration: “This is such a unique example for the world and beyond. I heard pilot Glover say, I think it was on Easter, he was looking back at what he called spaceship Earth… What lessons we can take here on how to work together better here on Earth?” After taking the opportunity to express his gratitude towards his home nation, the mission specialist of Artemis II responded, “I think my colleagues would love to say a few words; they know a lot about collaboration. You can see we have got our flags here together. We are better together." Pilot Victor Glover stressed that willingness was key to teamwork, answering Carney’s question.

Commander Reid Wiseman recalled his time training for robotics in CSA facilities in Montreal for a mission in the past and highlighted the long-term connections he formed with the people he worked with. The other mission specialist, and the first woman ever on a lunar mission, Christina Koch, also spoke about how both the International Space Station and the ongoing mission are glowing examples of how, when people from across the world are brought together, the impacts are compounded. 

In a lighthearted moment during the event, the Canadian PM confirmed that maple syrup was indeed the preference of the crew over Nutella, a jar of which was seen casually floating across the Orion capsule earlier. He also invited the entire crew over to Canada for a chat over maple syrup and pancakes once they are back home from the mission.

The Minister of Industry, who is also responsible for the CSA, Melanie Joly, also took part in the downlink and asked some questions of her own. Bryan Akwirente Deer, Chief of the Bear Clan of the Mohawk Nation of Kahnawake, participated as well. The host of the event, CSA astronaut Joshua Kutryk, pointed to the importance of the Chief's prayers, given the Indigenous roots Hansen and the entire country of Canada take pride in. Answers about the mission that made the lunar far side accessible for people on Earth, with some breathtaking photos, were also given by Hansen. Summing up the U.S.’ northern neighbor's contributions to Artemis II, Hansen said, “Canada put in the work. We created this opportunity to be here in deep space. So, Canada, I’m also proud of you.”.

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