On Monday, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen announced his resignation from his full-time position with the Canadian Space Agency, following his groundbreaking journey around the Moon on NASA’s Artemis II mission.

Hansen, aged 50, expressed in an Instagram post his intent to transition from his role at the Canadian Space Agency, emphasizing that this change is “far from a departure.” He characterized his new position as “an intentional launching pad,” designed to maintain avenues for creative and continued support of Canada’s vital space initiatives.

He will maintain his service as a reservist in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

“I extend my gratitude to the Canadian Armed Forces, CSA, NASA, our international partners, and my family,” Hansen stated. “Thank you, Canadians, for believing that when our country sets its sights high, we can achieve greatness. The mission continues.”

Notably, Hansen has dedicated 32 years to the Royal Canadian Air Force and 17 years to the CSA as an astronaut, according to the CSA.

In 2013, he participated in a unique caves program, spending six days living underground, as reported by the CSA. In 2014, he engaged in another pioneering venture, Nemo19, where he spent seven days working aboard the Aquarius underwater laboratory, according to a CSA release. Hansen made history in 2017 as the first Canadian to lead NASA’s astronaut class, training astronauts from both the United States and Canada.

“Through his dedicated service in the Royal Canadian Air Force and pivotal contributions to Canada’s space endeavors, Hansen has embodied the pinnacle of Canadian leadership and excellence,” stated Canadian Defense Minister David J. McGuinty. “His legacy will inspire future generations to explore careers in science, innovation, and discovery.”

In April, Hansen participated in NASA’s Artemis II mission alongside three American astronauts, marking the first crewed flight to the Moon in over half a century.

The mission crew set several records, becoming the first humans to travel such a distance from Earth and to witness the entire far side of the Moon with their own eyes, as well as the first astronauts to experience a solar eclipse from lunar territory.

In an interview with NBC News while in space, Hansen conveyed, “I feel immensely humbled.” He added, “The sight of us four out here is absolutely overwhelming.”

He remarked that the visuals of Earth and the Moon captured during the mission don’t do justice to the awe-inspiring views experienced by the astronauts firsthand.

“While those photos are wonderful,” he emphasized, “the reality here transcends anything you could capture.”