Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk makes history as the fifth Canadian to complete a spacewalk, helping upgrade the International Space Station’s power system.
Canada has another reason to celebrate! Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk has made history by stepping outside the International Space Station (ISS) and becoming the fifth Canadian to complete a spacewalk.
The major milestone took place on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Moreover, Kutryk’s achievement marks an exciting moment for Canada’s growing role in space exploration.
A Proud Moment for Canada
Kutryk began his historic spacewalk at 7:57 a.m. EDT. He worked alongside NASA astronaut Anil Menon, as the pair prepared to upgrade the space station’s power system.
At the time, the ISS was travelling about 420 kilometres above Earth. Meanwhile, astronauts inside the station wished both spacewalkers good luck before they left the airlock.
This was Kutryk’s first trip outside the station. However, he has another spacewalk planned for November 5.
Solar Panel Upgrade Takes Centre Stage
During the spacewalk, Kutryk and Menon worked to install new solar panels on the ISS.
These panels will help the station produce more electricity. In addition, the new equipment will support the station as it continues its important research and daily work.
The Canadian Space Agency says the new solar arrays, along with panels installed earlier, could increase the station’s power output by up to 30 per cent.
The astronauts also received help from Canadarm2, Canada’s famous robotic arm. It played a key role in moving equipment and supporting the work outside the station.
Following in the Footsteps of Canadian Space Heroes
Kutryk has now joined a proud group of Canadian astronauts who have completed spacewalks.
The four Canadians who came before him are:
- Chris Hadfield
- Steve MacLean
- Dave Williams
- David Saint-Jacques
Notably, Saint-Jacques completed his spacewalk in 2019. Therefore, Kutryk’s achievement marks another major step for Canada’s space programme.
Canada Plays a Key Role in the Mission
Canada’s contribution goes beyond Kutryk’s work in space.
For example, Canadian astronaut Jenni Gibbons helped guide the mission from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. She served as a key link between the astronauts and teams on Earth.
At the same time, Canadian space experts in Longueuil, Quebec, supported the mission and monitored the work.
Furthermore, Canadarm2 showed how Canadian technology continues to support major space projects.
What’s Next for Joshua Kutryk?
Kutryk travelled to the ISS on October 1 as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission.
He is working with NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, along with Russian cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov.
The crew will spend about six months aboard the station. During this time, they will carry out research, support station upgrades and test new technology.
Next, Kutryk and Menon plan to complete another spacewalk on November 5.
A Historic Achievement That Inspires Canadians
Joshua Kutryk’s spacewalk is more than a personal success. It is also a proud moment for Canada and its space community.
His achievement can inspire young Canadians to explore science, technology, engineering and space.
Most importantly, it shows that Canadian talent can reach new heights — even 420 kilometres above Earth!
