Former President Donald Trump surprised Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen during a post-mission call, revealing praise from hockey icon Wayne Gretzky after the Artemis II crew’s historic lunar flyby.
Presidential Call Highlights Crew Achievements
Trump commended the Artemis II astronauts as “modern-day pioneers” following their successful lunar pass. Hansen, the mission’s sole Canadian member, seized the microphone to express gratitude on behalf of his nation.
“The space leadership from America is truly extraordinary,” Hansen stated. “A nation that leads like that, creates and sets big goals for humanity and brings other countries along with it is truly incredible. I know that’s a very intentional decision to lead by example and to allow other countries, like Canada, to share our gifts and help achieve these mutually beneficial goals, like establishing a presence on the Moon and potentially going to Mars. Canadians are so proud to be a part of this program.”
Gretzky’s Endorsement Delights Hansen
Trump then shared that he had spoken with Gretzky, known as “The Great One,” and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney about the mission. “They are so proud of you,” Trump told Hansen.
The crew reacted with smiles and nods of delight upon hearing the news, despite a brief communication delay.
Mission Milestones and Journey Home
The Artemis II crew—commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Hansen—traveled 252,756 miles from Earth during a seven-hour lunar flyby. They endured a 40-minute communication blackout while passing the Moon’s far side, reaching a closest approach of 4,067 miles.
Before the flyby, Hansen remarked, “It is blowing my mind what you can see with the naked eye from the Moon right now. It is just unbelievable.” The team captured detailed photos of the lunar surface and Earth using professional cameras.
Trump noted that continued lunar exploration will pave the way for Mars missions. The crew now employs a gravity-assisted free-return trajectory, similar to Apollo 13’s, for a four-day journey home with a Pacific Ocean splashdown scheduled for Friday.
Artemis Program’s Broader Impact
This marks NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years, since Apollo 17 in 1972. Though no landing occurred, Artemis II sets the stage for a crewed lunar touchdown by 2028 and eventual Mars voyages. The launch faced delays due to hydrogen fuel leaks and helium line issues.
