Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk is set to blast off to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday morning, with all eyes on the weather conditions. Kutryk, aged 44, will join NASA’s Crew-13 mission to the ISS, accompanied by Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov from Roscosmos. NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney will serve as commander and pilot, respectively, traveling aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Weather forecasts for the launch site at Cape Canaveral, Fla., predict some variability, with possible showers and thunderstorms. Initially scheduled to fly on a Boeing CST-100 Starliner, Kutryk was reassigned to SpaceX following significant setbacks experienced by Boeing.
NASA is also addressing a potential issue on the ISS involving the Canadarm2, a crucial robotic arm used for spacecraft operations and spacewalks. Engineers reported “communications errors” after a recent maneuver, prompting collaborative efforts between NASA and SpaceX to ensure smooth docking procedures with Crew Dragon.
During a recent press conference, NASA officials expressed confidence in the crew’s readiness for the mission. Lorie Glaze, NASA’s associate administrator for human spaceflight, conveyed positive interactions with the crew members, emphasizing their preparedness for the upcoming journey. Dana Weigel, manager of the Low Earth Orbit Program, echoed this sentiment, noting the crew’s enthusiastic demeanor and readiness to embark on the mission.
The mission marks a significant milestone for Canada, following CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s recent involvement in the Artemis II mission. Mathieu Caron, director of CSA’s astronaut office, highlighted Canada’s substantial contributions to the ISS, particularly through the mobile servicing system that facilitated the station’s construction.
The crew is scheduled to undergo a traditional walk-out from their quarantine facility before heading to the launch pad to board the Crew Dragon capsule. Notably, Kutryk’s wife, Heather, is expected to give birth to their third child while he is in orbit, adding a personal touch to the mission.
If weather conditions permit, the crew will swiftly rendezvous with the ISS within hours after launch, potentially achieving the fastest Dragon mission to the station. In the event of unfavorable weather on Thursday, the next launch opportunity is scheduled for Friday morning. Despite external factors, NASA officials affirm that safety and readiness remain top priorities for the mission, with Kutryk and the crew eagerly awaiting the launch.
