How Dr. Catherine Hansen navigates Earth while her husband is out of this world

Dr. Catherine Hansen, the wife of Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, says the Artemis II crew told her she could relax 'after splashdown.'

As Artemis II prepares to return to Earth, the wife of Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen explained how a moon mission can affect an earthling family.

Dr. Catherine Hansen told CTV News Channel on Thursday she has experienced a “constant hum of anxiety” throughout the mission.

But she says her husband is enjoying his experience up in space and that their calls are happy.

“If you have gotten to know Jeremy at all, you’ll know he’s very authentic. Obviously, the whole crew is very heart-centred. Our private family conversations had that tone,” Catherine Hansen said in an interview Thursday.

“We had some laughter, we had some tears, we got to talk about all the things the kids are experiencing on this mission and it was really a great couple of family connections.”

Catherine Hansen says that Jeremy really enjoys the zero-gravity environment and is enjoying the mission.

• READ MORE: Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen sends well wishes to family back home from the edge of space
• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Artemis II re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere

‘Astronaut spouse’

Catherine Hansen has posted videos to social media that highlight some of the struggles she‘s endured while her husband is on a historic 10-day long mission to the moon and back.

In an Instagram post that she said is for “anyone who wonders what an astronaut spouse does on a typical Tuesday,” she explained how she “takes out the trash, (because) that stuff still has to be done.”

“Trash, recycling, composting, all has to be done on a typical Tuesday when you live on Earth. Can’t wait to get Jeremy home,” she said.

In another post, she said she hopes she doesn’t have to make her own coffee much longer.

“He supports me as much as I support him,” Hansen said, adding that sharing a morning coffee is a moment for the couple to prepare for the day together.

‘Moon and back’

During Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield’s 2012 mission, he carried a charm with the birthstones of each member of the Hansen family, according to Catherine Hansen.

“To add to that, we have created a little moon pendant, again with the birthstones of all of our family and it says ‘moon and back,’” Catherine Hansen said.

• READ MORE: ‘I love what you’ve done with the place.’ Chris Hadfield arrives at ISS
• WATCH: PM Carney, Jeremy Hansen share a laugh during call with Artemis II crew

She added that her husband has flown with both the Hadfield and Hansen pendants to return with a set of stellar souvenirs.

“My hope is that everyone can see themselves as a part of this mission,” Hansen said.

“I really hope that everyone feels inspired and hopeful, optimistic, and definitely a part of what has happened here.”