Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is set to embark on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for approximately six months, following in the footsteps of Jeremy Hansen, who recently circled the moon. Kutryk expressed his excitement during a press call, emphasizing how he had always dreamed of such an opportunity but viewed it as incredibly challenging.
Hailing from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Kutryk is an accomplished engineer, fighter pilot, and test pilot with extensive flying experience across various aircraft types. Handpicked by the Canadian Space Agency in 2017 along with Jenni Gibbons, Kutryk was initially slated to launch on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner. However, due to setbacks, he will now fly on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, with the launch rescheduled from September 12 to October 1.
While preparing for his mission, Kutryk revealed that he would carry items from Canadian organizations and universities, emphasizing his pride in representing Canada. Among these items is an old pocket watch with sentimental value, symbolizing his family’s journey from Ukraine to Canada. Despite the watch’s earlier journey to the ISS on a supply launch, Kutryk plans to keep it close during his time in space.
Looking forward to the simple pleasure of gazing out into space, Kutryk expressed his anticipation for the unique perspective the ISS will offer. Joining him on the Crew 13 launch are NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, along with Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteriatnikov, marking their first space mission.
During their time on the ISS, Kutryk and the crew will engage in various experiments, including Canadian-led initiatives. Reflecting on the global cooperation involved in space exploration, Kutryk highlighted the mission as a symbol of unity amidst the challenges faced on Earth, emphasizing the potential for a brighter future through international collaboration.