NASA is gearing up to launch a mission that will take humans, including a Canadian astronaut, to the moon after more than 50 years. The upcoming Artemis II mission is set to send four astronauts, with Canadian Jeremy Hanson among them, on a 10-day journey around the moon. While the spacecraft will not land on the lunar surface, it will carry out surveillance, testing, and experiments in preparation for Artemis III, which aims to bring humans back to the moon in the near future.
The mission has sparked excitement among many, including Canadian singer-songwriter Emm Gryner, who has released a new song titled “Touch the Sky” to celebrate the occasion. Filmmaker Laura-Lynn Petrick, a Thunder Bay native, directed, filmed, and edited the music video for the song, expressing her enthusiasm for the project.
Petrick described the opportunity as a significant honor, likening it to her own version of a “Stanley Kubrick moment.” She emphasized the mission’s unifying nature and its potential to showcase human achievements. The music video was a collaborative effort, featuring scenes shot in Thunder Bay at Belluz Farms, with actor Leo James Durocher portraying a young Jeremy Hanson, and in Sarnia, where Gryner performed at a piano.
Gryner shared that the song was inspired by her friendship with Catherine Hansen, Jeremy’s wife, and their discussions about creating a song for his lunar mission. Despite initial doubts about making it happen, Gryner assembled a talented team to bring the project to life, resulting in a successful collaboration.
The project also marked a milestone for Petrick and Gryner, who had been planning to work together for some time. The music video incorporated footage from NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and Hansen’s training, blending scientific elements with cinematic storytelling to capture the essence of the mission.
Both Petrick and Gryner expressed their satisfaction with the final product, with Gryner highlighting the tribute aspect of the song to Jeremy’s work. She mentioned that all proceeds from the song would be donated to the Bluewater Health Foundation in Sarnia, further emphasizing the project’s meaningful impact.
Overall, the Artemis II mission and the accompanying music video have brought together a talented team to celebrate humanity’s journey back to the moon, showcasing the collaborative spirit and creative vision behind the project.