Canadians set sights on the stars as NASA prepares launch of Artemis II

The first of April marks a big day for space travel, as it will be the first time astronauts will orbit the moon since 1972, and the first time a Canadian will do so.

Launch time for the Artemis II spacecraft is set for just before 6:30 p.m. ET at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Canadian Jeremy Hansen from the London area will be on board the spacecraft, which had been delayed a few times since February due to hydrogen fuel leaks and helium flow problems.

Hansen will serve as the mission specialist during Artemis II, becoming the first non-American to travel beyond low earth orbit.

Hansen was a fighter pilot when he became one of two recruits selected by the Canadian Space Agency in 2009.

He will be joined by veteran NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch.

The rocket will make a figure 8 maneuver around the moon.

READ MORE: Artemis II rocket begins its slow roll out to launch pad ahead of April flight date

Canadians across the country are assembling for watch parties to see the launch at historical sites, museums, libraries and arts centres.

In Ontario, launch parties are taking place in London, Mississauga, Timmins, Toronto and Ottawa.

Many venues have already been booked solid but listings for watch parties across the country can be found on Canada’s official website here.

The first two-hour launch window opens at 6:24 ET, with a six-day watch window running until Monday.

The Canadian Space Agency posted on X Tuesday night that King Charles III sent a letter to Hensen, which said Hensen carried, “not only the hopes of your fellow Canadians and the Commonwealth, but also the aspirations of humanity itself.”

King Charles III sent a letter to @Astro_Jeremy to acknowledge Canada’s role in the Artemis II mission.

“I was deeply touched to receive this message, which honours the collective vision and dedication behind this historic moment.” — Jeremy Hansen pic.twitter.com/r1XKvCv2xB

— Canadian Space Agency (@csa_asc) April 1, 2026

With files from The Canadian Press.

WATCH MORE: ‘The stakes are hugely high’; Chris Hadfield talks Artemis II Moon mission