Prepare for launch! An upcoming book this autumn will narrate Jeremy Hansen’s groundbreaking voyage on the Artemis II mission. Titled Earthrise: A Canadian Astronaut’s Journey into Deep Space, the book will recount Hansen’s perspective as the first Canadian to venture into deep space.
The author of the book, John Larsen, a former senior military public affairs officer, delves into the details of the Artemis II mission. This mission, which set a new record for the farthest distance humans have traveled from Earth, captivated Canadians as it marked the first crewed lunar mission in over half a century.
The Artemis II crew, comprising Hansen, alongside NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, conducted a 10-day mission where they tested various systems, including communication via NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) and studied the effects of space travel on the human body.
While the crew did not land on the moon, Hansen achieved the distinction of being the first Canadian and non-American to journey to the moon. During their mission, the crew glimpsed never-before-seen parts of the moon.
Hansen expressed his awe at the mission, stating, “The Artemis II mission showcases the pinnacle of human achievement: the dawn of a new era in space exploration and innovation.”
The book, Earthrise, authored by Calgary-based writer and university instructor Larsen, features Hansen’s extensive training, his fulfillment of the lifelong dream to become an astronaut, and the lunar mission that propelled him into deep space.
Hansen recently announced his retirement from the Canadian Space Agency after serving for 32 years in the military and 17 years as an astronaut. Larsen, in a press release, described the book as a tale of personal triumph, national pride, and the pursuit of individual aspirations.
Earthrise: A Canadian Astronaut’s Journey into Deep Space is scheduled for publication on October 27, 2026, by HarperCollinsCanada.