Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is set to embark on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), following in the footsteps of Jeremy Hansen, who recently circled the moon. Kutryk, an engineer, fighter pilot, and test pilot from Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., expressed his astonishment and gratitude for the opportunity during a press call, emphasizing that the experience surpasses his wildest dreams.
Initially selected by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 2017, Kutryk was slated to launch on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner. However, due to setbacks with Boeing’s crewed mission, he will now be traveling on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. The launch, originally scheduled for September 12, was postponed to October 1 due to spacecraft issues, which Kutryk is confident have been resolved.
During his time on the ISS, Kutryk plans to bring various items from Canadian organizations and personal mementos, including multiple Canadian flags. Notably, he will carry an old pocket watch that has sentimental value, having traveled from Ukraine to Canada with his family. Despite the watch arriving on the ISS ahead of him, Kutryk finds its presence in space significant, symbolizing the transformative power of exploration.
Looking forward to gazing at Earth from the space station’s windows, Kutryk expressed his anticipation for the simple pleasure of observing our planet. The Crew 13 mission, which includes NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, along with Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteriatnikov, will conduct various experiments, some of which are of Canadian origin.
Reflecting on the mission’s broader significance, Kutryk highlighted the unity and cooperation among nations involved in space exploration, providing a hopeful perspective amidst global challenges. He sees the mission as a symbol of what can be achieved when countries come together for a common goal beyond Earth’s borders.