The NASA Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with the Orion spacecraft launches at the Kennedy Space Center, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

By The Canadian Press

Quick quotes: The world watches NASA’s Artemis II moon launch

Apr 1, 2026 | 11:52 AM

OTTAWA — People across the country and around the world gathered on Wednesday to watch the launch of Artemis II, which sent humans back to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years.

Jeremy Hansen, 50, of London, Ont., will serve as the mission specialist for Artemis II and become the first non-American to travel beyond low Earth orbit.

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

Here’s what some well-known people — and one Muppet — have had to say about the mission so far:

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“Canada, I am thinking of you, and I am hoping that all of you see your greatness reflected in this journey around the moon. I am just so proud of all of you.”

— Jeremy Hansen

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“I know that Canada’s participation in this bold mission reflects decades of dedicated leadership and sustained investment in space innovation, as well as the strength of international partnerships that make such endeavours possible.

“Therefore, as the first Canadian to venture to the Moon, you carry not only the hopes of your fellow Canadians and the Commonwealth, but also the aspirations of humanity itself. In this historic moment, you stand as a bridge between nations and generations, and I commend you for the courage, discipline and vision that have brought you to this threshold.”

— King Charles III in a letter to Hansen

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“You think of all the women and men over the years who’ve done work in the space agency … helped train you, it fills me with pride but it also sends a real message to Canadians … Godspeed and we’ll see you on the other side.”

— Prime Minister Mark Carney in a pre-launch online conversation with Canadian astronauts Jeremy Hansen and Jenni Gibbons

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“Four people are in there with hopes, dreams, risk and the unknown. It makes me breathless, knowing how they’re feeling and what they’re facing. So exciting to see what we’re capable of when we work together in common purpose, deciding to push back the edges of our collective ignorance. Have a great voyage, crew of @NASAArtemis!”

— Former Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield

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“It’s just a real pleasure to see his hard work pay off in this way.”

— Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, commander of the RCAF

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“Praying for the safety and success of the Artemis II crew and @NASA as they undertake a mission that will carry humanity farther into space than we have gone in over half a century.”

— U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson

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“Elmo heard that @NASA’s Artemis II crew is going to space! Tell Mr. Moon that Elmo says hi!”

— Elmo

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“Feeling very proud of our country and the Artemis II crew representing both the United States and Canada. Looking forward to watching the launch this evening.”

— U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra

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“Nothing but gratitude for the men and women of this great nation. It is time to fly.”

— Astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman

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“I would like to take this opportunity to wish astronaut Jeremy Hansen, a proud native of London, Ont., all the very best as he prepares this evening to embark on an extraordinary journey around the moon. His dedication, courage and commitment to exploration has inspired Canadians from coast to coast to coast. As he reaches new heights, he carries with him the pride of a nation. We wish you safe travels, clear skies and a safe return home. Godspeed.”

— Speaker of the Ontario legislature Donna Skelly

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“For the first time in over 50 years, humanity is heading back to the moon. Among the crew is @Astro_Jeremy, who will become the first Canadian to travel to lunar orbit. A historic achievement and a proud moment for Canada’s space program. Wishing Jeremy and the entire crew of Artemis II a safe mission and a successful return.”

— Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre

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“Just like Apollo 9, Artemis III will test next-generation hardware and integrated operations in 2027 before Artemis IV lands on the lunar surface in 2028. By flying Moon rockets at an annual cadence, we develop the muscle memory, knowledge, and confidence required to land American astronauts on the Moon and push further into space.”

— NASA administrator Jared Isaacman

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“It’s a proud, history-making moment for our country as we watch Ontario’s @Astro_Jeremy take flight on the Artemis II rocket and help lead the next era of space exploration. All of Canada is cheering for you on your journey.”

— Ontario Premier Doug Ford

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 1, 2026.

— With files from Allison Jones in Toronto

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press