Joshua Kutryk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joshua Kutryk
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Kutryk in 2017
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| Born | March 21, 1982 Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada
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| Awards | Canadian Forces' Decoration (2012) |
| Space career | |
| CSA astronaut | |
| Selection | 2017 CSA Group NASA Group 22 (2017) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | Canada |
| Service/ |
Royal Canadian Air Force |
| Years of service | 2007–present |
| Rank | Colonel |
Joshua Kutryk, born on March 21, 1982, is a Canadian astronaut, test pilot, fighter pilot, and engineer. He was chosen by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 2017. He became one of two new Canadian astronauts selected that year, alongside Jenni Sidey. Joshua Kutryk is known for his impressive career in the Royal Canadian Air Force before joining the space program.
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Meet Joshua Kutryk: Canada's Astronaut
Joshua Kutryk is an inspiring Canadian who has achieved many goals. He has flown many different types of aircraft. He has also earned several advanced degrees. His journey shows how hard work and dedication can lead to amazing opportunities, like becoming an astronaut.
Early Life and Learning Journey
Joshua Kutryk was born on March 21, 1982, in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada. His family moved often when he was young. They lived in places like Fort Saskatchewan, Elk Point, and Whitehorse. Later, his family settled on a cattle farm near Beauvallon, Alberta. His family came to Canada from Ukraine in 1910.
From Alberta to Advanced Degrees
Joshua Kutryk attended St. John XXIII Catholic School. He then went on to the Royal Military College of Canada. In 2004, he earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. This degree teaches how to design and build machines.
He continued his education with several master's degrees. In 2009, he earned a master's degree in space studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He also completed a master's degree in flight test engineering in 2012 at the Air University. In 2014, he earned another master's degree in defence studies from the Royal Military College of Canada. He is also a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Test Pilot School.
A Career in the Skies: Pilot and Engineer
Before becoming an astronaut, Joshua Kutryk had an exciting career. He was an experimental test pilot and a fighter pilot. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in Cold Lake, Alberta. There, he led the team that tested new fighter aircraft for Canada.
Flying High: Test Pilot and Fighter Missions
Joshua Kutryk reached the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He was very important in testing new technologies for the CF-18 fighter jet. He also participated in important missions to help keep peace and safety during his time in the RCAF. He has flown for over 4200 hours. He has experience with more than 40 different types of aircraft.
In 2012, he received the Liethen-Title Award. This award is given to the top test pilot graduate from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. Another famous Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield, received this same award in 1988.
Becoming an Astronaut: A Dream Come True
The Canadian Space Agency chose Joshua Kutryk to train as an astronaut. This was part of the 2017 Canadian astronaut recruitment campaign. Joshua Kutryk and Dr. Jenni Sidey were selected from many talented people.
Training for Space Exploration
Joshua Kutryk had applied to be an astronaut before, in 2009. He made it to the top 16 finalists out of about 5,350 candidates. Even though he wasn't chosen that time, he kept trying. His determination to apply again in 2017 shows his strong spirit.
In July 2017, Kutryk moved to Houston, Texas. He began the two-year NASA Astronaut Candidate Training Program. This training takes place at the Johnson Space Center. He is part of the 2017 NASA astronaut class.
In September 2019, Kutryk took part in a special training called ESA CAVES. This program is organized by the European Space Agency. It helps astronauts prepare for space by exploring caves in Italy and Slovenia.
Joshua Kutryk trained for a mission called Boeing Starliner-1. However, in November 2025, that mission was changed to carry only cargo. It is not yet known when Kutryk will fly in space.
