March 21, 1982, marked the birth of Joshua Kutryk in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. He currently maintains a career as a Canadian astronaut, test pilot, and engineer. Selected as a member of the 2017 Canadian Space Agency astronaut recruitment campaign, he transitioned from a military aviation background to the professional pursuit of space exploration and flight research.
Academic and Military Foundations
Kutryk completed a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the Royal Military College of Canada in 2004. His advanced education includes a 2009 master's degree in space studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a 2012 master's degree in flight test engineering from Air University, and a 2014 master's degree in defence studies from the Royal Military College of Canada. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Canadian Forces College Joint Command and Staff Program and a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Test Pilot School in Edwards, California.
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Before his selection by the Canadian Space Agency, Kutryk served as a fighter pilot and experimental test pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, reaching the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Based in Cold Lake, Alberta, he led the unit tasked with flight-testing fighter aircraft. His career included combat deployments in Afghanistan and Libya. Over his service, he accumulated over 4,200 flying hours in more than 40 distinct aircraft types, focusing primarily on testing new technologies for the CF-18 fighter jet.
Transition to Space Exploration
After a previous attempt during the 2009 recruitment cycle, where he reached the final 16 candidates, Kutryk was selected for the 2017 Canadian Space Agency astronaut group. In July 2017, he began the two-year NASA Astronaut Candidate Training Program at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He was trained for the Boeing Starliner-1 mission before its conversion to a cargo-only flight.
Fast facts
- Born: March 21, 1982, Fort Saskatchewan
- Citizenship: Canada
- Education: Royal Military College of Canada, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Air University
- Military Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel
- Awards: Canadian Forces Decoration, Liethen-Title Award
- Flight Experience: Over 4200 hours in 40+ aircraft types
- Space Agency Selection: 2017 CSA Group
Questions readers ask
What is Joshua Kutryk's military background?
He served as a fighter pilot and experimental test pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, deploying to Libya and Afghanistan.
When is Joshua Kutryk scheduled to fly to the ISS?
He is assigned to the SpaceX Crew-13 mission, which is scheduled to launch no earlier than September 2026.
Achievements
- Canadian Forces Decoration
- Recorded as airman, astronaut and engineer
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