Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is set to embark on a 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 extensive flight experience on various aircraft.
Initially selected by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 2017 along with Jenni Gibbons, Kutryk was slated to launch on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner. However, due to significant setbacks in Boeing’s program, Kutryk will now ride on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. The launch, originally scheduled for September 12, was postponed to October 1 to address spacecraft issues.
During his mission, Kutryk plans to bring items from different Canadian organizations, universities, and public service agencies. Notably, he will carry Canadian flags and an old pocket watch with sentimental value that preceded him to the ISS on an earlier supply mission.
Kutryk expressed his anticipation of the mission, emphasizing his excitement to gaze out of the ISS windows at Earth. The Crew 13 launch will also include NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins, Luke Delaney, and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteriatnikov, marking Delaney’s and Teteriatnikov’s first spaceflight.
The crew will conduct various experiments, including Canadian projects, during their stay on the ISS. Kutryk highlighted the mission’s significance in showcasing international collaboration and unity amidst global challenges and turmoil.
As Kutryk prepares for his space journey, he reflects on the transformative nature of space exploration and the hope it offers for a brighter future.