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, Alberta, expressed his excitement during a press call, emphasizing how he never thought such an opportunity would come his way.
Originally slated to launch on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, Kutryk will now be part of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon mission due to delays with Boeing. The launch was rescheduled from September 12 to October 1. Kutryk shared his confidence in the spacecraft’s readiness for the journey.
While preparing for his time in space, Kutryk mentioned carrying various items from Canadian organizations and universities, including numerous Canadian flags. One significant item for him is an old pocket watch that holds sentimental value, having traveled from Ukraine to Canada with his family. Despite the watch reaching the ISS ahead of him, Kutryk finds it symbolically special.
Looking ahead to his mission, Kutryk expressed his anticipation of gazing out of the spacecraft’s window at Earth, a simple pleasure he eagerly awaits. The Crew 13 launch will also involve NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, along with Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteriatnikov, marking the first space mission for Delaney and Teteriatnikov.
During their time on the ISS, the crew will conduct various experiments, including some with Canadian involvement. Kutryk highlighted the mission as a symbol of global unity and cooperation, offering a glimpse of what can be achieved when nations collaborate beyond the challenges and chaos present on Earth.