Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is set to embark on a space mission to the International Space Station (ISS), following in the footsteps of his compatriot Jeremy Hansen, who recently circled the moon. Kutryk will spend approximately six months on the ISS, expressing his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity during a recent press conference.
Hailing from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Kutryk is an accomplished engineer, fighter pilot, and test pilot with a wealth of aviation experience. Selected by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 2017 along with Jenni Gibbons, Kutryk was initially slated to fly on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner. However, due to delays in Boeing’s crewed mission, he will now be launching aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.
The launch date was rescheduled to October 1st after an initial delay from September 12th. Despite the setback, Kutryk remains confident in the spacecraft’s readiness for the journey. He plans to carry various items representing Canadian organizations and his heritage, including Canadian flags and a sentimental pocket watch that holds personal significance.
During his mission, Kutryk will join NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins, Luke Delaney, and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteriatnikov as part of Crew 13. The team will conduct a series of experiments, including Canadian-led projects, contributing to scientific research on the ISS.
Looking ahead to his time in space, Kutryk expressed his eagerness to gaze out of the spacecraft’s windows and marvel at Earth from a unique vantage point. He emphasized the unity and collaboration among nations involved in space exploration, highlighting the mission’s potential to inspire hope and progress amidst global challenges.
As Kutryk prepares for his upcoming space voyage, he remains focused on the transformative impact of space exploration and the boundless possibilities it presents for the future.