Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is set to embark on a unique space mission, following in the footsteps of his compatriot Jeremy Hansen, who recently circled the moon. Kutryk’s upcoming journey will be an extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), lasting approximately six months.
Expressing his excitement during a recent press call, Kutryk, a skilled engineer, fighter pilot, and test pilot with a vast aviation background, shared his disbelief at the opportunity to represent Canada in such a significant mission. Selected by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) alongside Jenni Gibbons in 2017, Kutryk was initially slated to launch on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner. However, delays in Boeing’s crewed missions led to a change in plans, and Kutryk will now be launching on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Scheduled for launch on October 1 due to a minor issue with the spacecraft, Kutryk remains confident in the readiness of the vehicle. Despite the delay, he is eager to bring various items from Canadian organizations and personal mementos, including Canadian flags and a cherished family pocket watch that holds sentimental value. The watch, which predates Kutryk’s space journey, was part of an earlier supply launch to the ISS.
Anticipating his time in space, Kutryk expressed his simple yet profound excitement about observing Earth from the ISS windows. His mission, named Crew 13, will also feature NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, along with Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteriatnikov, all embarking on their first space missions. The crew will engage in various experiments, including Canadian-led initiatives, showcasing international collaboration in space exploration.
Kutryk emphasized the mission’s significance in highlighting global unity amidst current challenges on Earth. He views space exploration as a beacon of hope, illustrating the potential for collaboration and progress beyond terrestrial boundaries.