– Today reality surpassed the dream. This is what Norway’s first female astronaut, and the first all-Norwegian astronaut, Jannicke Mikkelsen writes on her Facebook account. – I am deeply honored to announce that I have been selected as an astronaut and will serve as commander of the FRAM2 spaceflight. Mikkelsen will be launched into space with a Falcon 9 rocket. Picture of Mikkelsen was taken on a previous occasion, when she did a job for news. Graphics: John Raoux / AFP/news On Monday, it became known that she is one of four who will achieve the first polar orbit around the Earth. Mikkelsen will thus be the first to film the North and South Poles from space. – It is with great honor that I accept my role, and I am now preparing to take on the biggest challenge of my life, Mikkelsen writes further. – Throughout my career I have specialized in using innovative film techniques while working in remote and dangerous environments. These four will travel over the polar region. Norwegian Jannicke Mikkelsen is second from the left. The others who will be on the trip are Australian Eric Philips, German Rabea Rogge and Chun Wang from Malta. Photo: SpaceX Mikkelsen also updated her cover photo on Facebook, where she poses with the rest of the crew, with the caption: “Look mum, I’m an astronaut!” – Humble and grateful Mikkelsen has previously been involved in several spectacular projects. In 2019, she helped set a world record, together with Hamish Harding, for the fastest round-the-world flight, called “One More Orbit”. In 2019, Jannicke Mikkelsen helped set a world record for the fastest round-the-world flight, called “One More Orbit”. Photo: Jannicke Mikkelsen She has also collaborated with the world-renowned biologist and presenter, David Attenborough. – Each of my productions has been a step on the way to my biggest challenge so far, to be the first to film the Earth’s north and south poles from space, writes Mikkelsen. – I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to contribute my knowledge and experience to this important project. The mission Mikkelsen will be involved in is a so-called commercial flight, and not carried out by the European Space Agency (ESA). The mission is funded by Maltese entrepreneur and adventurer Chun Wang. The trip is carried out by the American space company SpaceX. SpaceX is owned by the American multi-billionaire, Elon Musk. His plan is to transport humans to Mars. Photo: Gonzalo Fuentes / Reuters The legacy of Nansen and Amundsen The name of the space mission that Mikkelsen will take part in will be “Fram2”, named after the ship that was used to explore the North and South Poles. – This mission is not only about exploration and cinematic innovations. It is about inspiring others, raising awareness of our vulnerable planet and continuing the legacy of the great Norwegian polar explorers such as Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, writes Mikkelsen. “Fram” was the name of the schooner used by Fridtjof Nansen and his crew on the journey to the North Pole 1893–1895. Photo: Frammuseet / news The new astronaut says she will wear the Norwegian flag on her spacesuit with great pride. – Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. The training program is demanding and my time is a limited resource. Thank you to everyone who has sent me messages of congratulations, love and inspiration that I have yet to respond to. According to SpaceX, Mikkelsen and the rest of the crew will be launched into the atmosphere with a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida. It will happen at the end of 2024 at the earliest. Mikkelsen works as a freelancer for news. SpaceX has carried out over 200 successful launches with the Falcon 9. Photo: SpaceX Published 15/08/2024, at 15.00 Updated 15.08.2024, at 17.41
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Astronaut Mikkelsen looks forward to SpaceX launching into space – news Troms and Finnmark
