Written By NASA’s Artemis program is taking shape, and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is playing a key role in the mission. The Artemis program aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024, and the CSA has selected two astronauts to be part of the mission. Let’s take a closer look at the Artemis program and the Canadian astronauts who will be making history.
The Artemis Program
The Artemis program is NASA’s ambitious plan to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. The program is named after the Greek goddess of the Moon and is designed to build on the successes of the Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s.
The Artemis program has several key objectives, including:
– Landing the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024
– Establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface by 2028
– Conducting scientific research and exploration on the Moon
– Preparing for future missions to Mars and beyond
The Canadian Space Agency’s Role
The Canadian Space Agency is a key partner in the Artemis program and has been involved in the development of several key components of the mission. The CSA has contributed to the development of the Lunar Gateway, a small space station that will orbit the Moon and serve as a staging area for lunar missions.
In addition to contributing to the Lunar Gateway, the CSA has also selected two astronauts to be part of the Artemis program. Jeremy Hansen and Joshua Kutryk were selected in 2009 and 2017, respectively, and have undergone extensive training and preparation for the mission.
Meet the Canadian Astronauts
Jeremy Hansen
Jeremy Hansen is a former fighter pilot and a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. He was selected as an astronaut in 2009 and has since undergone extensive training and preparation for spaceflight.
Hansen has a degree in space science from the Royal Military College of Canada and has conducted research on a variety of topics, including the effects of microgravity on the human body. He has also served as a spokesperson for the CSA and has been involved in a variety of outreach and educational programs aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists and explorers.
Joshua Kutryk
Joshua Kutryk is a former fighter pilot and a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. He was selected as an astronaut in 2017 and has since undergone extensive training and preparation for spaceflight.
Kutryk has a degree in mechanical engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada and has conducted research on a variety of topics, including the development of new technologies for space exploration. He has also been involved in a variety of outreach and educational programs aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists and explorers.
Preparing for the Mission
Both Hansen and Kutryk have been undergoing extensive training and preparation for the Artemis mission. This includes training in a variety of areas, such as spacewalks, robotics, and scientific research.
The astronauts have also been working closely with their American counterparts to prepare for the mission. This includes training on the Orion spacecraft, which will transport the astronauts to and from the lunar surface, as well as training on the Lunar Gateway and other key components of the mission.
Conclusion
The Artemis program represents a major milestone in the history of space exploration, and the Canadian Space Agency is playing a key role in the mission. With two highly trained and experienced astronauts on board, the CSA is helping to ensure the success of the mission and advance our understanding of the Moon and its potential as a resource for future space exploration. As the Artemis program takes shape, we can look forward to exciting new discoveries and achievements in the years to come.
