“Meeting an astronaut was mind-blowing!” and “I never thought I’d get the chance to meet a real-life astronaut” were just two of the exclamations voiced by Nashwaaksis Middle School students on Wednesday, March 20, during a visit by astronaut Joshua Kutryk, according to Grade 6 French Immersion Science Teacher Jessica Curry.
Curry’s class enjoyed a 25-minute presentation from Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Kutryk, followed by a 25-minute Q&A session.
Kutryk, who will be the next Canadian astronaut to live and work aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of its Starliner-1 mission, spoke to students about his career path, how he is training for the ISS mission, and the roles of his fellow CSA astronauts Jeremy Hansen and Jenni Gibbons on the upcoming Artemis II Moon mission.
“Joshua’s visit provided students with a unique and memorable opportunity to engage with space exploration,” said Curry. “He sparked their curiosity, inspiring their ambitions, and enriching their educational experiences.
In addition to his role as an astronaut, Kutryk is also a Royal Canadian Air Force test pilot with more than 4,000 hours of flying experience on more than 40 aircraft types, including the CF-18 fighter. He has been deployed to both Libya and Afghanistan in support of NORAD, NATO, and UN actions around the world.
