helskärm
1 / 2Foto: Christine Olsson/TT
Jessica Meir, the first Swedish woman in space, is preparing for a second mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Scheduled to launch tomorrow, the mission underscores Sweden’s growing role in space exploration and the increasing diversity within the astronaut corps. According to the Swedish Space Agency, Meir is a role model for young women considering careers in STEM fields.
Meir is currently in mandatory quarantine, having entered it on January 30, in preparation for her role as commander of the NASA-SpaceX expedition, known as Crew-12. The team will spend eight months aboard the ISS conducting a range of experiments.
The research will focus heavily on the human body and its response to the conditions of space, including weightlessness. Kristine Dannenberg, responsible for exploration and access to space at the Swedish Space Agency, explained that the data collected will be crucial for future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
Balancing Exploration and Family
This mission marks a significant personal change for Meir, as she now has a three-year-old daughter. She expressed hope that her daughter will understand the value of the team’s work and its contribution to scientific advancement.
“I can only hope that she understands the value of our efforts and our contribution to science and exploration as she gets older,” Meir said in a statement.
A Powerful Symbol
Dannenberg emphasized the importance of Meir’s journey as a mother and astronaut, stating, “She is a role model for all young girls. She shows that you can pursue your dreams and still have a family – that there are no limitations.”
Meir’s previous mission in 2019 included a historic all-female spacewalk with astronaut Christina Koch. The upcoming expedition will similarly prioritize gathering educational materials to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. This focus on outreach highlights the importance of fostering interest in science and technology.
Meir, who has roots in Västerås, Sweden, through her mother, will lead a diverse crew including Jack Hathaway (USA) as pilot, Sophie Adenot (France) as a specialist, and Andrey Fedyaev (Russia) as a specialist. The launch is currently scheduled for February 13, at 11:15 AM Swedish time.
