A New Perspective: Canadian Astronaut Joshua Kutryk Reflects on Existential Shift After First Spacewalk

Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk described being overwhelmed with emotion after completing his first spacewalk on Thursday, an experience he says "changed" him.

While the seven-hour mission focused on the technical task of installing seven of eight new solar panels on the International Space Station, Kutryk spoke of a deeper psychological impact. Floating in the vacuum of space, Kutryk described the sight of the blue planet as a "sensory overload" and "very confusing," noting that the human mind struggles to process the image. He told media on Friday that seeing Earth from the outside made him feel "almost insignificant" and "very small."

This sense of existential humility has translated into a personal resolve. Kutryk, who was born in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, stated that he now wants to be the best person he can be in every decision he makes moving forward. He noted that he was stunned by the fragility and beauty of the planet, including the ability to see his home province from space.

According to reporting from CBC and CityNews Toronto, Kutryk is the fifth Canadian to perform a spacewalk, following David Saint-Jacques, who last did so in 2019. Despite the disorienting nature of the environment—which included blinding sunlight and total darkness—Kutryk said his training ensured the work went off without a hitch.

Kutryk and NASA astronaut Anil Menon are scheduled to return for a second spacewalk next week to install the final solar panel. Kutryk noted that while he focused on the mission during his first outing, he intends to consciously take in the view during his next excursion.