Canadian astronaut on a mission to inspire others [Video]

Jenni Gibbons was inspired to become an astronaut at a young age by Canada’s early space explorers, including Roberta Bondar. Now, the Artemis II backup crew member is hoping she can motivate the next generation to look to the stars.

The Albertan has been touring B.C. this week to share her story with aspiring astronauts, including at Science World and the HR MacMillan Space Centre in Vancouver. She wants young people to know that there are many ways to get involved in space.

“The Canadian Space Agency and Canada in general has so many opportunities in the space industry and space economy, and all of those opportunities are entirely aligned with creatively solving problems with science to improve people’s lives,” Gibbons told CTV News.

An engineer by trade, Gibbons began training as an astronaut in 2017, and last November was assigned the backup for fellow Canadian Jeremy Hansen on the …