Astronaut Jeremy Hansen maps Canada’s future in space at Alberta conference

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeBusinessLocal Business Astronaut Jeremy Hansen maps Canada’s future in space at Alberta conference 'I would like to see Canada continue to be involved,' Hansen said. 'It'll drive our own economy, drive jobs' Author of the article: By Steven Wilhelm Published Sep 24, 2026 Last updated 1 hour ago 3 minute read Join the conversation Col. Jeremy Hansen, the Canadian astronaut who took part in the Artemis II mission, spoke with Space Canada CEO Brian Gallant at the Global Business Forum in Banff, west of Calgary, on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. Brent Calver/Postmedia Article content BANFF – As Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen weaved through a crowded conference, the hum of Elton John’s 1972 hit “Rocket Man” was quelled only by the roar of applause. Article content At the Global Business Forum, Hansen said Canada is “very well positioned” to become a hub for future rocket launches, meeting growing demand. Article content Article content “Canada would be providing additional capacity that is needed,” Hansen, who flew around the moon this year, told Postmedia Calgary in an interview. Article content Article content Earlier this year, the federal government signed a 10-year, $200-million agreement to lease a dedicated launch pad in Nova Scotia, where commercial, scientific and defence-related cargo could be fired off into space. Article content FP West: Energy Insider SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE: FP West: Energy Insider brings you behind the oilpatch’s closed doors with exclusive insights from insiders every Wednesday morning. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content There are limited areas on the planet fit for launches, and Canada’s proximity to the North Pole makes it an energy-efficient place to launch from, Hansen said. Article content More opportunities for Canada in space Article content Hansen, alongside his American crewmates Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, formed the crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission, where the four made history by flying around the moon for the first time in decades. Article content The first Canadian to fly on a lunar mission, Hansen began his retirement from the CSA this month and is pursuing new opportunities and remains a reservist in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Article…