Canadians across the country are coming together today at museums, libraries, and cultural centres to witness the historic launch of the Artemis II mission, which is set to send humans back toward the Moon for the first time in over 50 years.
The launch window opens at 6:24 p.m. ET, marking the beginning of a six-day window that runs through April 6.
Public viewing events are being held nationwide, with crowds expected at major science and cultural institutions. In Vancouver, spectators are gathering at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, while in Halifax, residents are heading to the Discovery Centre to watch the launch together.
A major highlight for Canadians is the participation of Jeremy Hansen, who will serve as a mission specialist. Hansen is set to become the first non-American astronaut to travel beyond low Earth orbit, marking a historic milestone for Canada’s space program.
The mission will last nearly 10 days, carrying astronauts around the Moon and back to Earth. While the crew will not land on the lunar surface, the mission is considered a critical step in NASA’s broader efforts to return humans to the Moon under the Artemis program.
The launch has generated widespread excitement across Canada, with communities gathering to witness what is being seen as a defining moment in modern space exploration.
