Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is set to embark on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for approximately six months. Kutryk, hailing from Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., is an accomplished engineer, fighter pilot, and test pilot with extensive aviation experience. He was selected by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 2017 along with Jenni Gibbons.
Initially slated for a launch on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, Kutryk will now be flying aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon due to delays in Boeing’s mission schedule. The launch, originally set for September 12, was rescheduled to October 1 following a spacecraft issue. Kutryk expressed confidence in the readiness of the Crew Dragon for the mission.
During his stay at the ISS, Kutryk plans to bring various items representing Canadian organizations and his personal connections. Among these items are numerous Canadian flags and a sentimental pocket watch that holds significant family history. Despite the watch’s early arrival on the ISS via a prior supply launch, Kutryk values its presence in space as a symbol of change through exploration.
Looking ahead to his time in space, Kutryk eagerly anticipates the simple pleasure of gazing out of the spacecraft’s windows at Earth. The Crew 13 launch will include Kutryk alongside NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, as well as Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteriatnikov, marking the first space mission for Delaney and Teteriatnikov.
The crew’s activities at the ISS will involve conducting various experiments, including some with Canadian involvement. Kutryk emphasizes the unifying nature of the mission, highlighting the collaborative efforts of countries like the United States, Canada, and Russia amidst global challenges. As he prepares for this extraordinary journey, Kutryk remains optimistic about the potential for a brighter future through international cooperation in space exploration.
