U.S.-Canadian moon mission prepares for February launch despite international tensions

The article reports a U.S.-Canadian moon mission is preparing for a February launch amid international tensions. It recalls Canada's human spaceflight history, including Marc Garneau's 1984 flight and Chris Hadfield's missions.

The article reports a U.S.-Canadian moon mission is preparing for a February launch despite international tensions. The piece frames the planned mission within longstanding U.S.-Canadian cooperation in space. Canadian participation in human spaceflight began in 1984 with Marc Garneau aboard the space shuttle Challenger. The article also highlights later Canadian astronauts and their milestones. Key points: - The article reports a U.S.-Canadian moon mission is preparing for a February launch despite international tensions. - Marc Garneau became the first Canadian in space in 1984 as part of the crew of the space shuttle Challenger. - Since then, eight other Canadians have flown to space as NASA astronauts. - The article notes Chris Hadfield made three trips that included a visit to the Russian space station Mir, Canada's first spacewalk, and time as the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station. Summary: The report places the planned February launch as a continuation of U.S.-Canadian cooperation in lunar exploration and notes it occurs amid international tensions. It also situates the mission within Canada's multi-decade involvement in human spaceflight, citing early milestones and notable Canadian astronauts. The next reported step is the scheduled February launch.