Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk reaches International Space Station for six-month mission
Fort Saskatchewan-born Kutryk launched Thursday with NASA crew in record-breaking flight to the ISS.
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Joshua Kutryk, 44, a Canadian mission specialist, reached the International Space Station Thursday after a record-breaking flight from Florida. Kutryk launched with three NASA astronauts—Jessica Watkins (commander), Luke Delaney (pilot), and Sergey Teteryatnikov of Roscosmos—aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
The crew completed the journey in just under eight hours, marking the fastest flight NASA has ever achieved to the station. After docking procedures lasting approximately two hours, they joined seven people already aboard for a six-month mission focused on experiments, research, and critical maintenance work.
Kutryk, who grew up on an Alberta cattle farm, said little had sunk in during launch. "I don't really believe it yet," he told mission control about 10 minutes after reaching orbit. "It does feel weird, though." During a welcome ceremony, he added: "Looking forward to a good mission after some sleep. That's what I'm going to go do next."
The mission comes with personal stakes: Kutryk's wife is pregnant with their third child, due during his deployment. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly attended the launch at Kennedy Space Center and met with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman for roughly 30 minutes Thursday to discuss Canada's contribution to moon and Mars exploration, including plans for a future lunar base. Isaacman referenced Canadarm and Dextre as examples of Canadian robotics capability.
By the numbers
How fast did Joshua Kutryk's crew reach the International Space Station?
The crew completed the journey in just under eight hours, marking the fastest flight NASA has ever achieved to the station.
How long will Joshua Kutryk be deployed to the International Space Station?
Kutryk will be on a six-month mission focused on experiments, research, and critical maintenance work aboard the ISS.
Who launched with Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk on Thursday, October 1, 2026?
Kutryk launched with three NASA astronauts—Jessica Watkins (commander), Luke Delaney (pilot), and Sergey Teteryatnikov of Roscosmos—aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
