All attention will focus on the weather on Thursday morning as Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Joshua Kutryk readies for his journey to the International Space Station (ISS).
Kutryk, aged 44, will serve as a mission specialist for NASA’s Crew-13 mission to the ISS, accompanied by Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov from Roscosmos. NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney will assume the roles of commander and pilot, respectively, as they embark on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The weather forecast at Cape Canaveral, Fla., predicts some variability with chances of showers and potential thunderstorms.
Initially slated to fly on a Boeing CST-100 Starliner, Kutryk was reassigned to SpaceX following significant setbacks faced by the former.
Concerns have also arisen regarding a potential issue on the ISS, as first reported by ArsTechnica earlier this week. The Canadarm2, crucial for various operations on the ISS, encountered communication errors following a maneuver, prompting NASA and SpaceX to address potential GPS interference during docking with Crew Dragon.
During today’s press conference, Lorie Glaze, NASA’s associate administrator for human spaceflight, expressed confidence in the readiness of the crew, stating, “I was lucky enough earlier today to get to speak with Jessica, Luke, Josh, and Sergey. They are ready to fly.”
Dana Weigel, manager of the Low Earth Orbit Program, echoed Glaze’s sentiments, affirming the crew’s preparedness and positive demeanor.
This mission follows just six months after CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s participation in the Artemis II mission to orbit the moon.
Highlighting Canada’s contributions to space exploration, Mathieu Caron, director of CSA’s astronaut office, emphasized the nation’s significant role in establishing the ISS as a world-class laboratory through the development of the mobile servicing system.
The crew is scheduled to exit their quarantine facility around 7:40 a.m. Thursday for a traditional walk-out before proceeding to the pad to board the Crew Dragon capsule and prepare for launch.
In a personal note, Kutryk’s wife, Heather, is expected to give birth to their third child during his time in orbit.
Upon launch, the crew aims to rendezvous with the ISS within a few hours, potentially achieving the fastest Dragon mission to the station in approximately eight hours.
In case of unfavorable weather conditions on Thursday, the next launch opportunity is scheduled for Friday morning, with NASA ensuring readiness and safety for all missions.
Joshua Kutryk, described as fully prepared for the mission by Mathieu Caron, remains eager for the successful launch, hoping for favorable weather conditions to support his journey and the mission’s success.