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, was selected by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 2017 along with Jenni Gibbons.
Initially planned to launch on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, Kutryk will now ride on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon following delays with Boeing’s mission. The launch date was rescheduled from September 12 to October 1 due to spacecraft issues. Kutryk, who expressed confidence in the spacecraft’s readiness, will carry various items from Canadian organizations and flags to space.
One sentimental item he values is an old pocket watch that traveled from Ukraine to Canada with his family. Although the watch preceded him to the ISS through an earlier supply launch, Kutryk finds significance in its journey from the early 1900s to space.
Excited about the upcoming mission, Kutryk shared his anticipation of simply looking out the window at Earth, a view he eagerly awaits. The Crew 13 mission, involving NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins, Luke Delaney, and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteriatnikov, will conduct experiments, including Canadian ones, during their stay on the ISS.
Reflecting on the world’s challenges, Kutryk emphasized the unity demonstrated through international space collaborations, highlighting the mission as a symbol of hope and progress beyond the turmoil on Earth.