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The Artemis Moon missions

Did you know that only 24 humans made the trip from Earth to the Moon? It was as part of the Apollo program between and . A long time ago! And only 12 of them actually walked on the lunar surface. They were all American men. With the United States and other countries, Canada is now preparing for the Artemis program, which will bring more humans to the Moon, both around and on it.

Canadian astronauts

In return for contributing the Canadarm3 smart robotic system to Gateway, Canada receives a range of opportunities, including two astronaut flights to the Moon. CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen will be part of Artemis II, the very first mission carrying people to the Moon in over 50 years. It will also mark the first time that a Canadian flies to the Moon. How exciting!

Astronaut Jeremy Hansen (left) stands with his Artemis II crewmates

CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen (left) stands inside a model of the Orion spacecraft with his Artemis II crewmates: (left to right) NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Christina Hammock Koch. (Credit: James Blair/NASA)

An artist's concept of the Orion spacecraft

An artist's concept of the Orion spacecraft approaching Gateway. (Credit: NASA)

What are the Artemis missions?

The NASA-led Artemis program is a series of lunar exploration missions that will lay the foundation for sustainable exploration of the Moon by humans and robots. It will bring the first woman and the first person of colour to the Moon.

Like the Apollo program, Artemis will begin with missions around the Moon (Artemis I and II) before a mission that lands on the lunar surface (Artemis III).

During later missions, astronauts will dock Orion to Gateway. From Gateway, astronauts will be able to venture to the lunar surface.

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