Prepare for an exciting launch! Jeremy Hansen’s groundbreaking experience on the Artemis II mission will be chronicled in a new book slated for release this fall.
Earthrise: A Canadian Astronaut’s Journey into Deep Space will be narrated from Hansen’s viewpoint, marking him as the first Canadian to venture into deep space.
The author of the book is John Larsen, who previously served as a senior military public affairs officer.
The Artemis II team set a new record for the furthest distance humans have traveled from Earth. The mission garnered significant attention and celebration across Canada, being the first crewed lunar endeavor in over five decades.
Hansen was part of the Artemis II crew alongside NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch. Throughout the 10-day mission, the astronauts evaluated various systems, including communications via NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN), and conducted experiments on human physiological responses in space.
Although the crew did not make a landing, Hansen distinguished himself as the first Canadian and non-American to approach the moon. The team also observed regions of the moon that had never previously been witnessed by humanity.
NASA has unveiled new moon images taken by the Artemis II crew, along with additional insights into the astronauts’ observations during their historic flyby.
“The Artemis II mission embodies the pinnacle of human achievement: the dawn of a new era in space exploration and innovation,” stated Hansen in a press release.
Jeremy Hansen was the first Canadian to make a journey into deep space. (Sean Brocklehurst/CBC)
Earthrise will provide readers with an in-depth view of Hansen’s extensive training, the efforts required to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut, and the lunar mission that propelled him into deep space.
“This adventure exceeds even my most imaginative dreams from when I transformed my childhood treehouse into a spacecraft,” Hansen remarked.
Earlier this year, Hansen revealed his retirement from the Canadian Space Agency through Instagram. He dedicated 32 years to military service and spent 17 years as an astronaut at the CSA.
Larsen, a Calgary-based author and university educator, conducted thorough interviews with Hansen to create the book. Earthrise marks Larsen’s second literary work.
“This narrative captures a tale of personal success, national pride, and most importantly, of everyone striving to reach their own aspirations,” Larsen stated in a press release.
Earthrise: A Canadian Astronaut’s Journey into Deep Space will be published by HarperCollinsCanada, with a release date set for October 27, 2026.
