Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk embarked on a six-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS) 11 days ago. During his first press conference from space on Tuesday, Kutryk expressed his excitement, stating that he is “having a blast” so far.
Adapting to life in space, Kutryk mentioned the challenges of relearning basic skills like sleeping, eating, and using tools in microgravity. Despite the initial frustration, he finds the experience both fun and rewarding, emphasizing the privilege of being part of the mission.
Apart from enjoying his time, Kutryk has also been diligently conducting science experiments onboard the ISS, focusing on mental health studies and monitoring his vital signs.
This mission marks Kutryk’s inaugural space voyage, following closely after fellow Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s recent lunar orbit mission. Kutryk sees this as a step towards innovation and a brighter future for Canadians, highlighting the country’s significant contribution to space exploration.
Reflecting on Canada’s involvement in space missions, Kutryk emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and commercial entities to drive innovation and technological advancements.
During the Q&A session, Kutryk mentioned passing over Vancouver and Quebec, showcasing his unique perspective on the country from space. He also marveled at witnessing the breathtaking sight of the northern lights.
Additionally, Kutryk mentioned losing five pounds since arriving at the ISS, underscoring the critical role of exercise and nutrition in space living. Many experiments onboard focus on studying astronaut health, including the Canadian project “T-Bone,” which employs 3D technology to investigate changes in bone health.
Kutryk reiterated the significance of Canada’s presence in space exploration, emphasizing the country’s strong legacy and the benefits derived from such missions. He expressed hope for Canada to continue contributing significantly to space exploration in the future.
