Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who captivated the world when he flew around the moon alongside three American crewmates during the Artemis II mission in April, said Monday that he would step back from a full-time astronaut role in September.In a social media post, Hansen said the move was “far from a departure,” as he would transition to serve as a reservist member of the Royal Canadian Air Force in a deliberate move “to leave the door open for creative, ongoing ways to support and enable the vital work happening in Canada with respect to space.”In a statement, the Canadian Space Agency said that Hansen will “pursue new professional opportunities” and praised his “leadership, dedication and professionalism.”AdvertisementAdvertisement“Through his work with CSA, NASA and other partners, he contributed to a historic new chapter for Canada in space,” the statement reads. “He also inspired Canadians across the country, especially young people, helping them see themselves in the future of exploration.”Neither Hansen nor the space agency specified what opportunities he may explore after stepping back in the fall.Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, Artemis II mission specialist, speaks at CSA headquarters in May. – Adrej Ivanov/AFP/Getty ImagesHansen’s departure will leave CSA with three active astronauts, including David Saint-Jacques, Joshua Kutryk and Jenni Gibbons.“On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my gratitude to Canadian Space Agency astronaut Colonel Jeremy Hansen for his extraordinary service to Canada and his remarkable contributions to space exploration,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement that also praised the astronaut’s history as a fighter pilot and his history-making foray with the Artemis II mission that “united millions of Canadians around a single mission.”‘A significant next step’Hansen noted in his social media post that his decision came “after 32 years of military service and 17 years as a Canadian Space Agency astronaut —culminating in the incredible privilege of flying around the Moon on Artemis II.” He described his decision as one that would allow him to take a “significan …
