It was recently announced that Marcus Wandt will be Sweden’s new astronaut. SSC is one of the co-financiers behind the project that has made Wandt’s voyage to the International Space Station (ISS) possible. As a partner of the mission, which goes by the name Muninn, SSC will make it possible for Sweden to continue at the forefront of international space travel and research – helping Earth benefit from Space.

“It is a great honor to be able to represent Sweden in the international group of astronauts. I wish to be part of pushing the boundaries of humanity. When we aim for something difficult and challenging, it sparks innovation and technological leaps rather than technological steps. By developing tools to survive in space, we are forcing innovation that will be of benefit for generations. This is a strong driving force for me personally,” said Marcus Wandt during a press conference last week.

In the fall of 2022, Marcus Wandt was chosen as a reserve for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) space program. In April 2023, Sweden announced its aspiration to send another Swede into space. SSC is one of several partners of the project behind Wandt’s coming journey to the ISS, scheduled for the autumn of 2023.

“We wish Marcus all the best in his training and coming voyage to the ISS. It feels incredible to be able to contribute to making this magical journey a reality. Since the 70’s, SSC has been a leading player in space travel and research in microgravity – from Sweden and all around the world. Therefore, it feels logical to participate in this project which further puts Sweden on the global space map. It will be another milestone in our work to utilize space to contribute to research and the development of a more sustainable society,” says Stefan Gustafsson, Head of Strategy and Sustainable Business at SSC.

Read more about Marcus’ voyage: https://www.rymdstyrelsen.se/nyheter/2023/den-svenska-esa-astronauten-marcus-wandt-far-resa-till-den-internationella-rymdstationen/ (in Swedish)

Read more about the “Muninn” mission: https://www.rymdstyrelsen.se/upptack-rymden/bloggen/2023/06/muninn-blir-namnet-pa-marcus-wandts-rymdresa/ (in Swedish)