Canada is writing a new chapter in the history of space exploration. Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Colonel Joshua Kutryk will launch on October 1, 2026, at 11:10 a.m. ET (at the earliest) from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aboard a SpaceX Dragon crewed spacecraft. He will join the crew of Crew-13 mission heading to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission marks a decisive new milestone for Canada's space program, demonstrating the country's enduring commitment to human space exploration and its strategic partnership with NASA and SpaceX.
Official Sequence of Events
The days of September 30 and October 1, 2026 will be filled with critical milestones. Here is the official timeline established by the Canadian Space Agency:
September 30, 2026 – 5:00 p.m. ET: Pre-launch press conference broadcast live from Kennedy Space Center. Mathieu Caron, Director of the Canadian Astronaut Office, will represent the CSA and take media questions.
October 1, 2026 – 11:10 a.m. ET: Launch of the Dragon spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center — the long-awaited moment for space enthusiasts and proud Canadians supporting Colonel Kutryk.
October 1, 2026 – 12:45 p.m. ET: Post-launch press conference broadcast live from Kennedy Space Center, with Mathieu Caron, Director of the Canadian Astronaut Office.
October 1, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. ET: Docking of the SpaceX Dragon crewed spacecraft with the International Space Station. This delicate manoeuvre marks the crew's official arrival at their new orbital workplace, more than 400 km above Earth.
October 1, 2026 – 8:45 p.m. ET: Hatch opening and first crew communication from aboard the ISS — a deeply symbolic moment for all Canadians following the mission.
Minister Mélanie Joly at Kennedy Space Center
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Economic Development Canada for Quebec regions, will be present in Florida to witness the launch in person and will be available for media interviews on-site. Her presence underscores the strategic importance the federal government places on Canada's space sector and its commitment to the economic benefits generated by the aerospace industry, particularly in Quebec. Only media representatives already accredited may attend the launch at Kennedy Space Center.
Live Broadcast at CSA Headquarters in Longueuil
The Canadian Space Agency invites media to attend a live broadcast of the launch at the Marc-Garneau Conference Centre, located at the John H. Chapman Space Centre:
Address: 6767 Airport Road, Longueuil, Quebec
Date: October 1, 2026
Time: Starting at 10:30 a.m. ET
Media representatives must present their press credentials at the security gate and at reception. Security checks will be conducted at entry; it is strongly advised to plan for extra time upon arrival. The event will also be broadcast live on the CSA's YouTube channel, with and without simultaneous interpretation. After the launch, the conference centre will remain open for media wishing to continue watching the NASA broadcast, including the docking scheduled for the evening.
Joshua Kutryk: An Exceptional Canadian Astronaut
Born in Alberta and a career military pilot with the Canadian Armed Forces, Colonel Joshua Kutryk was selected to the Canadian Astronaut Corps in 2017. Since then, he has undergone intensive training with NASA, the European Space Agency, and international partners. This flight aboard Crew-13 represents his first operational space mission, the culmination of nearly a decade of rigorous preparation. Kutryk embodies the new generation of Canadian astronauts who carry the legacy of pioneers such as Marc Garneau, Roberta Bondar, Chris Hadfield, and Julie Payette.
Quebec: A Pillar of Canada's Space Adventure
Joshua Kutryk's departure is a powerful reminder that Quebec sits at the heart of Canada's space industry. The John H. Chapman Space Centre in Longueuil is the CSA's headquarters and home to hundreds of engineers, scientists, and technicians who push the boundaries of what is possible every day. Many Quebec companies — including MDA, CAE, and Héroux-Devtek — supply essential components and services to Canadian and international space programs, making the province an indispensable player in the global space economy. This mission further highlights the dynamism of Quebec's aerospace ecosystem, which generates thousands of highly skilled jobs across the province.
“This mission is a symbol of Canada's enduring contribution to international space exploration. Joshua Kutryk carries with him the dreams and ambitions of an entire nation.” – Canadian Space Agency
How to Follow the Crew-13 Mission
To follow every moment of the Crew-13 mission, visit the official CSA website at www.asc-csa.gc.ca and subscribe to the agency's official channels on Facebook, YouTube, and X for real-time updates. The launch broadcast will be available live on YouTube, with simultaneous interpretation in both of Canada's official languages.
Quebec's Aerospace Industry Is Hiring — Explore Your Career Opportunities
Joshua Kutryk's departure for the International Space Station is also an invitation to discover the outstanding career opportunities offered by Quebec's aerospace industry. This rapidly growing sector is actively recruiting aeronautical and aerospace engineers, avionics and structures technicians, embedded systems specialists, project managers, and quality assurance professionals. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your career, Quebec's aerospace industry offers stimulating challenges, competitive salaries, and the pride of contributing to world-class projects.
Visit aeroemploi.ca — Quebec's aerospace job portal — to browse all available positions in aviation, aerospace, and defence. Your next great professional adventure is waiting for you!