CSA astronaut Joshua Kutryk launches to the International Space Station
At 11:10 am ET Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Colonel Joshua Kutryk launched to the International Space Station on a Falcon 9 rocket as part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-13. Joshua is joined by NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov.
From Vancouver, British Colombia, to Ottawa, Ontario, to Cape Canaveral, Florida, Canadians got to witness this big moment during launch parties. They gathered to watch with pride, in their homes, science centers, museums and community centers.
This is the first time a Canadian has flown under NASA's Commercial Crew Program, and the fourth long-duration mission for a CSA astronaut. Joshua will live and work aboard the Station for approximately six months. He will support operations and maintenance activities and take part in outreach initiatives, sharing the mission with Canadians all over the country.
Canadian science on board
As part of his mission, Joshua will conduct several science experiments, including some new Canadian investigations. These home-grown experiments gather data on astronaut health with the goal of advancing space exploration and improving life on Earth.
The International Space Station is a key steppingstone for future space exploration. Forthcoming Moon missions can profit from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the human body in the harsh environment of space. The Station is a unique laboratory and testbed for these investigations.
Crew-13 is expected to dock to the Space Station later tonight at 7:00 pm ET.