All attention will be focused on the weather on Thursday morning as Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Joshua Kutryk gets ready to embark on a journey to the International Space Station (ISS).
Kutryk, aged 44, is set to serve as a mission specialist for NASA’s Crew-13 mission to the ISS, alongside Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov from Roscosmos. NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins will take on the role of commander, with Luke Delaney as the pilot. They will be launched into space on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The weather forecast for Cape Canaveral, Fla., indicates some variability with possible showers and potential thunderstorms.
Initially, Kutryk was scheduled to fly on a Boeing CST-100 Starliner, but due to significant setbacks experienced by the company, he was reassigned to SpaceX.
Recent reports have highlighted a potential issue on the ISS involving the Canadarm2, which is crucial for capturing spacecraft and aiding in spacewalks. NASA and SpaceX are working to address communication errors detected after a maneuver, ensuring smooth coordination during the docking process with Crew Dragon.
During a press conference, Lorie Glaze, NASA’s associate administrator for human spaceflight, expressed confidence in the crew’s readiness for the mission. Dana Weigel, manager of the Low Earth Orbit Program, also confirmed the crew’s positive outlook and eagerness for the upcoming journey.
The mission follows closely after CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s participation in the Artemis II mission around the moon.
Mathieu Caron, director of CSA’s astronaut office, emphasized Canada’s significant contributions to space exploration, particularly through the development of complex robotic systems like the mobile servicing system.
The crew is scheduled to walk out from their quarantine facility at approximately 7:40 a.m. on Thursday before proceeding to the pad for preparations and boarding the Crew Dragon capsule for launch.
In a personal note, Kutryk’s wife Heather is expected to give birth to their third child while he is in orbit.
If the launch proceeds as planned, the crew is expected to rendezvous with the ISS in a few hours, marking one of the fastest Dragon missions to the station. In case of unfavorable weather conditions on Thursday, the next launch opportunity is set for Friday morning.
The team is fully prepared for the mission, with high spirits and optimism for a successful journey ahead. Kutryk’s readiness and dedication to the mission have been commended by CSA officials and underscored as a key factor for mission success.