Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk embarked on a six-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS) 11 days ago. During his first media Q&A from space on Tuesday, Kutryk expressed his excitement, saying he was “having a blast.”
Adjusting to life in space has presented challenges for Kutryk, who described the process as akin to relearning basic daily tasks like sleeping and eating. Despite the initial frustrations, he finds joy and satisfaction in the experience, feeling privileged to be part of the mission.
In addition to adapting to the microgravity environment, Kutryk has been diligently conducting science experiments onboard the ISS. These experiments include research on mental health and monitoring vital signs.
This mission marks Kutryk’s debut in space, following closely after fellow Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s involvement in the Artemis II mission six months ago. Kutryk sees this mission as a pathway to innovation and a brighter future for Canadians.
Emphasizing Canada’s significant contributions to space exploration, Kutryk hopes that his participation will inspire further advancements in technology and collaboration. He highlighted the importance of industry, academia, and commercial entities from Canada engaging in space missions to drive innovation and develop new technologies.
From his vantage point in space, Kutryk shared his awe at witnessing the northern lights and the unique perspective he gains of Canada during his orbit. Noting a weight loss of five pounds since arriving at the ISS, Kutryk underscored the importance of exercise and nutrition in space living conditions.
Among the experiments conducted onboard is the Canadian project “T-Bone,” utilizing 3D technology to study astronauts’ bone health changes. Kutryk believes that Canada’s involvement in space exploration is crucial for securing future benefits and maintaining the country’s legacy in space endeavors.