CEO of the CNE Mark Holland and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency speaks on the Artemis II astronaut\u2019s role in the new space exhibit at the festival. <\/p>\n
TORONTO \u2014 Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen says his experiences in space left him forever changed and he wants to spend his time post-retirement from the Canadian Space Agency pushing the domestic space sector forward. <\/p>\n
Hansen, who became the first Canadian to venture to the moon and the first non-American to travel beyond low Earth orbit while flying in the historic Artemis II mission, was in Toronto to mark the opening of the Canadian National Exhibition. <\/p>\n
Hansen says it was an honour to open the CNE and tour the fair\u2019s space exhibition, which includes a gallery of photos from the Artemis II mission that sent humans flying by the moon for the first time since 1972.<\/p>\n
CNE opens for its 147th year with Jeremy Hansen Jessica Smith speaks with attendees about what excites them most about the exhibition. <\/p>\n
The astronaut says Canada\u2019s space sector will continue to grow and be an important pillar for the economy, and it\u2019s important to inspire the next generation to get involved and be the \u201cworkforce of the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Three months after Hansen and his three American crewmates returned from their lunar flyby, he announced he was retiring from Canada\u2019s astronaut program. <\/p>\n
Hansen didn\u2019t say exactly what retirement has in store for him, but he says he\u2019ll continue to \u201cshare the moon joy\u201d by meeting with audiences and speaking about space, while he figures out how to best use his experience to keep contributing to Canada\u2019s space industry. <\/p>\n
\u201cI believe very passionately about the opportunity we have in space for the country,\u201d Hansen told The Canadian Press. \u201cWe have a lot to celebrate as a space faring nation, yet there\u2019s always the next step.\u201d<\/p>\n
Canada has made integral contributions to space exploration, including designing the robotic Canadarm on the International Space Station and producing vital hardware for the James Webb Space Telescope. The federal government estimated in 2024 that the space sector added $3.8 billion to the country\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n
Despite his upcoming retirement, Hansen says he would \u201c100 per cent go back to space\u201d if asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw some things and witnessed some things that will be with me forever,\u201d he said. \u201cThe views out the window were literally to die for.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/QRDODCKCTRKQQORPK6SNJSJLZM.jpg\")
Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Jeremy Hansen speaks in the opening remarks of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto, on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS\/Keito Newman Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Jeremy Hansen speaks in the opening remarks of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto, on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS\/Keito Newman <\/p>\n
Hansen and his Artemis crewmates travelled farther into space than any other astronauts as they whipped around the far side of the moon, setting eyes on its parts never before seen by humans.<\/p>\n
He said it was also \u201cextraordinary\u201d to view Canada and Hudson\u2019s Bay from the windows of the spacecraft. <\/p>\n
The astronaut said the experience of space flight left him with a \u201creinvigorated\u201d passion for humanity. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou just can\u2019t look back at Earth and not realize what a treasure we have in this planet,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u2028This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 21, 2026.<\/p>\n
Fatima Raza and Kathryn Mannie, The Canadian Press<\/p>\n
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