One and done! NASA Artemis II astronaut Jeremy Hansen dramatically RETIRES after a single mission around the moon – as one fan asks ‘what do you guys see up there that you don’t want to go back?’

Colonel Jeremy Hansen dramatically retired after a single mission into space with NASA.

The Canadian astronaut was one of four members of the Artemis II crew who made history by flying around the moon earlier this year.

Although this mission was Colonel Hansen’s first mission, he explained that it was also his last.

He went to X and said: ‘Today I’m sharing an important next step in my journey.

‘This September, I will be transitioning from my full-time role at CSA after 32 years of military service and 17 years as a Canadian Space Agency astronaut, having had the incredible privilege of flying around the Moon aboard Artemis II.’

This news devastated many fans; one of them claimed that Colonel Hansen’s retirement was ‘too soon’.

Another said: ‘I can only imagine how you do laps on the moon. But I think you’ll do it.’

And one of them asked ominously: ‘Many astronauts leave active spaceflight duty after returning to earth. What do you see there that makes you not want to go back?’

The Canadian astronaut was one of four members of the Artemis II crew who made history by flying around the moon earlier this year. Pictured (left to right): Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch

Although Colonel Hansen has only been to space once, he has served as an astronaut since 2009, when he was selected as part of CSA’s astronaut recruitment campaign.

In 2013, he took part in a mission to Earth called the CAVES program, in which he lived underground for six days.

The following year, he lived for seven days on the ocean floor in Aquarius’ natural habitat.

However, he was finally selected for a space mission in 2023 and appointed as mission specialist for Artemis II, the first crewed mission to the moon since the Apollo missions 50 years ago.

From April 1 to 10, Colonel Hansen and his crewmates – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch – circled the moon and returned aboard the Orion spacecraft.

The crew made history by traveling further than any human in history, breaking the record previously held by the crew of Apollo 13.

Colonel Hansen also became the first Canadian and the first non-American to participate in a lunar mission.

The Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister Responsible for Economic Development of Canada’s Quebec Provinces, said, ‘Colonel Jeremy Hansen made history by becoming the first Canadian to participate in a lunar mission; “This is an achievement that inspires every generation of Canadians,” he said.

Colonel Hansen became the first Canadian and the first non-American to participate in a lunar mission

From April 1 to 10, Colonel Hansen and his crewmates – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch – circled the moon and back aboard the Orion spacecraft.

‘His extraordinary achievements not only advanced Canada’s role in space exploration, but also showed young Canadians what is possible when talent, determination and ambition are matched with opportunity.’

As he retires, Colonel Hansen says it’s ‘far from a separation.’

‘To ensure continuity in this role, the Royal Canadian Air Force is enabling me to transition into the Reservist role,’ he explained.

‘This unique location is an intentional launch pad designed to leave the door open to creative, ongoing ways to support and enable the vital space-related work happening in Canada, and I’m excited for the new challenges it will bring.

‘Our future depends on Canada’s continued vigorous innovation and exploration in space.

‘The technological breakthroughs and economic benefits arising from this sector are of vital importance for our country and the world, and I am as determined as ever to move this business forward.

‘To the Canadian Armed Forces, CSA, NASA, our international partners, and my family: thank you.

‘And to all Canadians: Thank you for believing in what our country can achieve when we aim high. ‘The mission continues.’

The news comes shortly after NASA announced its all-male crew for the Artemis III mission.

NASA’s Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio and Andrew Douglas will join European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Luca Parmitano in orbital tests ahead of the moon landing.

Scheduled for 2027, Artemis III will test rendezvous and docking operations between the Orion spacecraft and commercial human landers in low Earth orbit as part of preparations for future lunar exploration.

However, the announcement of the crew quickly sparked criticism on social media; Users pointed out that none of the astronauts selected for the historic mission were women.