Canadian astronaut talks space with Summerside cadets
SUMMERSIDE — A Canadian astronaut met virtually with cadets from 85 Summerside Sea Cadet Corps recently to educate them on Canada’s role in space.
Lt.-Col. Joshua Kutryk took questions from cadets during a regular training session on May 26 at the Slemon Park Armouries.
“We learned that determination, motivation, teamwork, and physical fitness are very important to become an astronaut,” said 14-year-old Evan Smith, Cadet Petty Officer 2nd Class. “These are the same values that we learn about in cadets through our training.”
Kutryk earned his flying wings as a former air cadet with 551 Whitehorse Lions in Whitehorse, Yukon and 341 Mundare Air Cadet Squadrons in Mundare, Alta.
“I was simply in awe with the entire presentation given by Lt.-Col. Joshua Kutryk,” said 18-year-old Annie Sham, a Cadet Petty Officer 1st Class with the corps. “It is amazing that someone close to my age could someday walk on Mars.”
The meeting was possible due to the 85 Summerside corps involvement with the Canadian Space Agency’s Junior Astronaut campaign to engage, educate, and excite young Canadians about Canada’s
role in space.
“Despite COVID-19, we are still able to provide a unique training activity that is outside the box,” said Lt. Troy MacKenzie, the corps’ training officer. “While we typically emphasize hands-on activities, such as biathlon, sailing and sports, this conversation with a former cadet who is now a Canadian astronaut was simply inspirational and shows our cadets what they can accomplish.”