Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is set to embark on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for approximately six months. Born in Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., Kutryk, an engineer, fighter pilot, and test pilot with extensive flying experience, was selected by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 2017.
Initially scheduled to launch on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, Kutryk will now be riding on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon due to delays in Boeing’s mission. Despite a minor setback that pushed the launch date to October 1, Kutryk remains confident in the spacecraft’s readiness for the journey.
During his time on the ISS, Kutryk plans to bring various items from Canadian organizations and universities, including Canadian flags that hold personal significance to him. One notable item he will carry is an old pocket watch that traveled with his family from Ukraine to Canada, symbolizing the changes brought by exploration.
Looking forward to the simple pleasure of gazing out of the window at Earth, Kutryk expressed his excitement for the mission. The Crew 13 launch will include NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, as well as Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteriatnikov, all undertaking their first space missions.
Upon reaching the ISS, the crew will participate in various experiments, including Canadian-led projects. Kutryk emphasized the mission’s ability to showcase global unity amidst earthly unrest, highlighting the collaborative efforts of nations in space exploration.
