Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk is set to embark on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA’s Crew-13 mission. Kutryk, aged 44, will join NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins, who will be the commander, and Luke Delaney, the pilot, along with Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov from Roscosmos. They will be launching on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The weather forecast for the launch at Cape Canaveral, Fla., includes chances of showers and potential thunderstorms, adding an element of variability to the conditions. Initially slated to fly on a Boeing CST-100 Starliner, Kutryk was reassigned to SpaceX following setbacks faced by Boeing.
NASA has also been addressing a potential issue on the ISS related to the Canadarm2 robotic arm, which recently experienced communication errors after a maneuver. NASA and SpaceX are collaborating to ensure there are no GPS interference issues during the docking procedure between Crew Dragon and the station.
During a press conference, NASA officials expressed confidence in the crew’s readiness for the mission. Lorie Glaze, NASA’s associate administrator for human spaceflight, shared that the crew members, including Kutryk, are prepared for the journey. Dana Weigel, manager of the Low Earth Orbit Program, echoed this sentiment, noting the crew’s positive outlook and readiness to fly.
Kutryk’s upcoming mission follows closely after CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s participation in the Artemis II mission, where he traveled around the moon. Mathieu Caron, director of CSA’s astronaut office, emphasized Canada’s contributions to the ISS, highlighting the mobile servicing system that facilitated the station’s construction.
The crew will undergo the traditional walk-out from their quarantine facility before heading to the launch pad and boarding the Crew Dragon capsule for final launch preparations. Kutryk’s personal story adds a unique touch to the mission, as his wife is expected to give birth to their third child while he is in orbit.
The mission aims for a swift rendezvous with the ISS after launch, with officials anticipating a record-breaking eight-hour journey to reach the station. In case of unfavorable weather conditions on Thursday, the next launch opportunity is scheduled for Friday morning.
As preparations continue for the mission, the team remains focused and optimistic about the upcoming journey. Kutryk’s colleagues express confidence in his readiness and hope for favorable weather conditions to support a successful launch.