Saab Chief Test Pilot Begins Historic Space Journey to ISS, Paving the Way for Swedish Space Research

Saab Chief Test Pilot Begins Historic Space Journey to ISS, Paving the Way for Swedish Space Research

(IN BRIEF) Saab’s Chief Test Pilot, Marcus Wandt, embarked on a historic journey from the Kennedy Space Center to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a project co-financed by Saab to bolster Sweden’s role in space research and innovation. Wandt’s mission, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), will involve conducting research on weightlessness and human adaptability in space. Saab’s CEO, Micael Johansson, highlighted the importance of space research for Sweden’s defense capabilities and expressed pride in Wandt’s role as the third Swede in space. Wandt was selected for ESA’s space program in 2022 and is on leave from his position as Chief Test Pilot for Gripen at Saab.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 20-Jan-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — During the night between 18 and 19 January, Swedish time, Marcus Wandt, who works as the Chief Test Pilot at Saab, started his journey from the Kennedy Space Center to the International Space Station, ISS. Saab is one of the co-financiers of the project, aiming to ensure that Sweden remains at the forefront of space research.

On the ISS, Marcus Wandt will conduct research on weightlessness and contribute to understanding how humans can live and work beyond Earth.

“This is a significant and major event for both Sweden and Saab; space is becoming an increasingly important area for Sweden and our defense capabilities. Saab’s focus on innovation and advanced technology means that we are now contributing to important research and development in the field of space. We are proud that one of our employees is now the third Swede in space, and we look forward to following his work,” says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

During the fall of 2022, Marcus Wandt was selected for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) space programme. In the spring of 2023, it was confirmed that a space journey would take place, and Marcus Wandt would become ESA’s first ever project astronaut. He is currently on leave from his role as the Chief Test Pilot for Gripen at Saab.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its over 22,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

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SOURCE: Saab AB