‘How does space smell?’ Halifax students connect with Canadian astronaut aboard ISS

Students at École Secondaire du Sommet in Halifax had the unique chance to communicate with Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk on Friday, as the International Space Station passed overhead. Kutryk, a former CF-18 fighter pilot, serves as a mission specialist on a six-month Crew 13 mission for NASA. The brief 10-minute chat captivated the students, with one remarking, "It’s not something I thought I’d ever see in my lifetime."

The internet-based ARISS program, run by volunteers globally, enables students to engage directly with astronauts in orbit via ham radio, inspiring them to delve deeper into science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on projects. Science teacher Karen Scarcella believes the experience goes beyond the classroom, helping students link their classroom knowledge to real-world applications.

Among the inspired students was Marie Gooding, who said, "I thought it was amazing to have an opportunity like this to talk to an astronaut. It’s not something I thought I’d ever see in my lifetime." Kutryk, when asked about the smell of space, reportedly said it smelled metallic, a revelation that ignited a newfound interest in science for both Gooding and fellow student Christopher Succar. Succar expressed a desire to work as a scientist at NASA or a similar agency, not necessarily in space exploration.