On October 13, 2026, Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk will address the media live from the International Space Station (ISS) during a historic video call organized by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). This first in-space press conference will mark a landmark moment for Canada's scientific and aerospace community, and especially for Quebec, home to the John H. Chapman Space Centre in Longueuil — the CSA's headquarters and the beating heart of Canada's space program.
A Window Open to Space
Starting at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time), accredited media representatives will be welcomed at the John H. Chapman Space Centre, located at 6767 Airport Road, Longueuil. The video call will begin at 11:25 a.m. (ET) and will last approximately 20 minutes. Mathieu Caron, Director of the CSA's Astronaut Office, will moderate this exceptional exchange between Earth and the International Space Station.
Journalists attending in person will have the opportunity to ask a direct question to the astronaut, while those joining remotely via Microsoft Teams will be able to submit their questions through the chat function. The CSA specifies that journalists wishing to attend online must register in advance by contacting the Media Relations Office to receive a connection link and detailed instructions. The event will also be livestreamed on the CSA's official YouTube channel, giving all Canadians the opportunity to follow this extraordinary exchange in real time.
Mission Crew-13: A Major Milestone for Canadian Spaceflight
Joshua Kutryk is participating in Mission Crew-13, one of the most anticipated crewed missions of the year under NASA's Commercial Crew Program. As a CSA astronaut, Colonel Kutryk proudly represents Canada in a scientific and technological undertaking of international scope. Aboard the International Space Station, crew members conduct experiments spanning fields as diverse as biology, fluid physics, space medicine, and materials science.
The International Space Station orbits approximately 400 kilometres above Earth at a speed of 28,000 km/h, completing one full revolution around the planet every 90 minutes. It is from this unique platform — the product of decades of international cooperation between multiple space agencies — that Joshua Kutryk will speak to Canadian journalists and share his first impressions of life and work in microgravity.
Portrait of an Exceptional Astronaut
Joshua Kutryk was born in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. A Royal Canadian Air Force officer, he trained as a fighter pilot before being selected by the CSA in May 2017 to join Canada's prestigious astronaut corps. He completed his NASA astronaut training in January 2020, alongside fellow Canadian astronaut Jenni Sidey-Gibbard.
Kutryk holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Manitoba, a master's degree in aerospace engineering from Carleton University, and a master's degree in management from the University of Liverpool. His background as a test pilot combined with his multidisciplinary academic training make him a particularly valuable asset for the scientific missions conducted aboard the ISS, placing him among the most thoroughly prepared astronauts of his generation.
« Every crewed space mission represents a leap forward for humanity and for science. Joshua Kutryk's presence aboard the International Space Station is a testament to Canadian expertise and our lasting commitment to international space exploration. » – Mathieu Caron, Director, Astronaut Office, CSA
A Boost for Quebec's Aerospace Sector
Mission Crew-13 carries special significance for Quebec, home to one of the most dynamic aerospace clusters in the world. The Montreal-Longueuil region is home to major industry players such as Bombardier, CAE, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Bell Textron, and hundreds of specialized small and medium-sized enterprises. The John H. Chapman Space Centre, the CSA's headquarters, sits at the heart of this vibrant ecosystem and serves as a major draw for industry talent from across Canada and around the world.
Events like this press conference help inspire the next generation of engineers, technicians, and scientists who will build their careers in this sector of excellence. Demand for skilled workers has never been higher: Quebec's aerospace industry directly employs more than 42,000 people and generates billions of dollars in economic impact each year, firmly establishing Quebec as one of the world's leading aerospace hubs.
How to Attend the Press Conference
Journalists wishing to attend the event in person must present themselves at the John H. Chapman Space Centre with their press credentials, first at the security gate and then at the reception desk. Early arrival is strongly recommended due to the security measures in place and the strict schedule of the video call. Media professionals preferring to attend online via Teams may register by contacting the CSA's Media Relations Office by phone at 450-926-4370. A Teams connection link and detailed instructions will be sent to registrants by email.
Aerospace: A High-Growth Sector with a Bright Future
Joshua Kutryk's mission aboard the ISS perfectly illustrates the upward trajectory of Canada's aerospace industry. Quebec-based companies actively contribute to international space programs — from the design of high-precision components and the development of critical embedded software to the delivery of cutting-edge engineering services. This dynamic environment continuously generates new employment opportunities for professionals with diverse backgrounds: aerospace engineers, avionics technicians, embedded systems specialists, propulsion experts, project managers, and many more.
The October 13, 2026 event is much more than a press conference: it is a vivid reminder of the scale of Canada's ambitions in space exploration and the remarkable excellence of our national aerospace industry. For professionals who wish to be part of this extraordinary scientific and technological adventure, opportunities are plentiful and the career prospects are genuinely exciting.
Join Quebec's Aerospace Industry
Inspired by Joshua Kutryk's mission and the conquest of space? Ready to contribute to the future of Canadian aerospace? Visit AeroEmploi.ca, the employment portal dedicated to Quebec's aerospace industry. Hundreds of job postings from the sector's largest employers are waiting for you. Whether you are an engineer, technician, pilot, or manager, AeroEmploi.ca is your launchpad to a career that truly reaches for the stars.