Growing up on a ranch in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Joshua Kutryk had aspirations of space travel, a dream he never imagined would come true. However, following Artemis II’s recent lunar flyby, the 44-year-old is now gearing up for a mission to the International Space Station that could potentially lead to significant medical advancements.
Kutryk is part of the four-member team selected for NASA’s SpaceX Crew 13 mission. Joining him are NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov. Watkins, who previously spent 170 days aboard the ISS in 2022, is set to make her return flight to the space station.
The crew’s primary objectives during their six-month stay at the station include conducting various experiments and performing essential maintenance tasks. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying the crew, is scheduled to launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on September 12.
Expressing his excitement, Kutryk highlighted the significance of his involvement as a Canadian in the mission. He emphasized the unique contributions of Canada’s space program and its potential for groundbreaking research.
One of the key focuses of the mission is Canadian-led studies on the effects of space travel and microgravity on human health. Kutryk explained that these studies could have both space exploration and medical applications, particularly in developing treatments for conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis, which are influenced by factors such as radiation and microgravity.
The ability to conduct medical research in space is highlighted by the accelerated aging process experienced by the body in that environment, as Kutryk mentioned during a press briefing. The experiments being conducted aim to address health issues that are common to all humans on Earth.
According to Mathieu Caron, director of the astronauts’ office at the Canadian Space Agency, Canada has carved out a niche in space life sciences research. Kutryk’s expertise in robotics will be invaluable for the crew’s maintenance work on the station, including the Canadian-made Canadarm2 servicing system.
As Kutryk prepares for his upcoming mission, he hopes to inspire young Canadians in technical fields by showcasing Canada’s involvement in cutting-edge space exploration. With NASA’s plans to decommission the ISS in 2030, Kutryk’s mission may mark the final opportunity for Canadians to witness a compatriot living on the station.
Looking ahead, Kutryk envisions a bright future for Canadian space endeavors, encouraging aspiring astronauts, engineers, and scientists to embrace the numerous opportunities that lie ahead. After years of rigorous training and preparation, Kutryk and his crew are eagerly anticipating their upcoming journey into space.
