Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk embarked on a six-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS) 11 days ago. During his recent Q&A session with reporters from space, Kutryk expressed his positive experience, 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 frustrations, he finds joy and satisfaction in the experience, feeling fortunate to be part of the mission.
Engaging in rigorous work, Kutryk has already initiated various science experiments focusing on mental health and monitoring his vital signs. This mission marks his first space journey, following closely after Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s recent mission around the moon.
Highlighting the significance of Canada’s involvement in space exploration, Kutryk hopes that his mission serves as a pathway to innovation and a promising future for the country. He emphasized the importance of showcasing Canada’s capabilities in space activities and fostering collaborations with various entities to drive technological advancements.
During the Q&A, Kutryk mentioned passing over Vancouver and Quebec, providing him with frequent views of Canada from space. He shared his awe at witnessing the northern lights and mentioned the importance of maintaining exercise and nutrition in space, exemplified by his five-pound weight loss since arriving at the ISS.
The experiments on board, including the Canadian project “T-Bone,” utilizing 3D technology to monitor astronauts’ bone health, underscore the focus on astronaut well-being. Kutryk reiterated Canada’s vital role in space exploration, emphasizing the benefits derived from such missions and the country’s ongoing legacy in space endeavors.
