Astronaut Joshua Kutryk hails Canada’s contribution to space exploration

Open this photo in gallery: Astronaut Joshua Kutryk of Canada leaves the Operations and Checkout Building at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Oct. 1. John Raoux/The Associated Press Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk says his presence on the International Space Station shows Canada can contribute to the leading edge of space exploration.

The 44-year-old is two weeks into a six-month mission which will see him conduct experiments and research and take part in critical maintenance work. Kutryk floated inside the station and demonstrated one of the physiological experiments he’s taking part in during a news conference with journalists in Longueuil, Que., today.

Josh Kutryk’s successful flight to the ISS shifts focus to Canada’s next moves in space Kutryk says he’s having a blast and it’s been life-changing to watch Earth from the station. But he says it’s also an important demonstration that Canada’s strong legacy in space will continue going forward.

He launched to space on Oct. 1 as part of NASA Crew 13 in the fastest flight ever to reach the space station, taking just under eight hours.