Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is set to embark on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), following in the footsteps of compatriot Jeremy Hansen, who recently circled the moon. Kutryk, expressing his excitement during a recent press call, shared his disbelief at the opportunity, describing his long-held dream of space travel as seemingly unattainable.
Hailing from Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., Kutryk boasts a diverse background as an engineer, fighter pilot, and test pilot with over 4,000 flight hours on various aircraft. Selected by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 2017 alongside Jenni Gibbons, Kutryk was originally slated to launch on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner. However, due to setbacks, he will now ride on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, with the launch rescheduled from September 12 to October 1.
In preparation for his mission, Kutryk plans to bring items from Canadian organizations and personal mementos, including a cherished pocket watch with sentimental value. Reflecting on the watch’s journey from Ukraine to Canada before its space voyage, Kutryk finds it symbolically significant, representing the transformative power of exploration.
Anticipating the experience, Kutryk revealed his simple yet profound excitement to gaze out of the spacecraft’s windows at Earth, emphasizing the awe and wonder he hopes to capture during his time aboard the ISS. Joining NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, along with Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteriatnikov, Kutryk will partake in various experiments, including Canadian-led initiatives, underscoring the collaborative nature of space exploration amid global turmoil.
As Kutryk prepares for his historic mission, he views the endeavor as a testament to international cooperation, offering a glimpse of hope and unity amidst the challenges faced on Earth.