Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is set to embark on a space mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for approximately six months. Kutryk, a native of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, is an accomplished engineer, fighter pilot, and test pilot with a diverse aviation background.
Initially selected by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 2017, Kutryk was slated to launch on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, but due to setbacks, he will now be flying aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. The launch date was rescheduled from September 12 to October 1 after a minor issue with the spacecraft was identified.
During his mission, Kutryk plans to bring various items representing Canada, including flags and personal mementos. One significant item is an old pocket watch that holds sentimental value as it traveled with his family from Ukraine to Canada. Although the watch was sent to the ISS on an earlier supply launch, Kutryk finds its presence in space remarkable.
Excited about the upcoming journey, Kutryk expressed his anticipation of gazing at Earth through the spacecraft’s windows. He will be part of the Crew 13 mission alongside NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins, Luke Delaney, and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteriatnikov. The team will conduct experiments, including Canadian-led ones, during their time on the ISS.
Reflecting on the mission’s significance, Kutryk emphasized the unity and collaboration among nations in space exploration, which provides a hopeful perspective amidst global challenges. He views the space mission as a symbol of what humanity can achieve collectively, transcending the turmoil and division on Earth.
