Canadian astronaut reflects on transformative first spacewalk

“Your mind doesn’t know what to do with that image,” Kutryk stated, adding that the view was “exciting.”

Alongside NASA astronaut Anil Menon, Kutryk successfully installed seven of eight new solar panels on the International Space Station. This marks Kutryk’s debut spacewalk, making him the fifth Canadian to achieve this milestone.

Speaking from the space station on Friday morning, Kutryk shared that the experience fundamentally altered his perspective, making him feel both “very small” and “almost insignificant.” He expressed a desire to strive for personal betterment in his future decisions.

Kutryk described the visual experience as “very confusing” and a “sensory overload,” highlighting the beauty and fragility of the planet. Born in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, he was able to identify his home province from orbit and shared images of Canada on social media.

“I do think that we come back to Earth with a changed perspective,” he remarked.

Kutryk and Menon navigated the complexities of working in both darkness and intense sunlight during the spacewalk. Kutryk credited extensive training for the smooth execution of the task.

David Saint-Jacques, the last Canadian to perform a spacewalk in 2019, led a news conference in Longueuil, Quebec, alongside Eleanor Olszewski. Saint-Jacques praised Kutryk as a “real role model for Canadian youth,” while Olszewski expressed “tremendous pride” in his accomplishment.

The mission is vital for the International Space Station, which is nearing its 30th year and experiencing diminished power generation. The new solar panels, alongside previously installed arrays, are expected to increase power capacity by up to 30 percent.

Mathieu Caron, director of the agency’s astronauts, life sciences, and space medicine directorate, attributed the mission’s success to Canada’s long-standing commitment to space exploration. Menon utilized the Canadarm 2 robotic arm, with support from the robotics team in Longueuil, including Canadian astronaut Jenni Gibbons, who provided guidance.

“We’re all incredibly proud,” Caron affirmed. Kutryk is scheduled to participate in a second spacewalk next week to install the final solar panel.