HOUSTON – Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is on the verge of fulfilling a lifelong dream of going to space, with his mission scheduled for next week. The 44-year-old astronaut has been selected as one of the four individuals assigned to NASA's SpaceX Crew 13 mission, which aims to transport the crew to the International Space Station (ISS).

The Crew 13 mission will see astronauts spend an extensive duration of six months aboard the ISS, where they will engage in various activities including conducting experiments, performing research, and participating in vital maintenance tasks aboard the space station. This mission represents an important step not only for NASA but also for international collaboration in space exploration.

Currently, Kutryk is in quarantine in Houston, Texas, in preparation for the mission launch at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch is tentatively scheduled for next Thursday, marking a significant milestone in Kutryk's journey as he transitions from training to actual spaceflight.

As a proud Canadian, Kutryk is eager to represent his country during the mission. He plans to carry Canadian flags with him, symbolizing national pride and connection to his homeland. In addition to national representation, Kutryk is taking a personal item that carries deep sentimental value—a pocket watch that has been in his family for generations. This pocket watch was originally brought to Canada by his ancestors who homesteaded in Alberta four generations ago after emigrating from Ukraine.

This mission not only aligns with Kutryk's aspirations but also highlights the role of astronauts in expanding our understanding of space and improving life on Earth through scientific discoveries made aboard the ISS. As he prepares for the journey ahead, Kutryk remains focused on the tasks at hand and the opportunities for advancement in scientific knowledge that the mission presents.