Behind every rocket and balloon campaign at Esrange Space Center are systems that connect the mission to the ground. Meet Annie Johansson, Systems Engineer in Instrumentation, Rockets & Balloons, whose work helps scientists carry out their research.
Since joining SSC Space in January 2025, Annie has worked with the systems and instruments used at Esrange, including those that enable communication between rockets or balloons and the ground. During campaigns, she takes on different operational roles, often working with telemetry. Between campaigns, her days involve preparing and testing equipment, installing components, troubleshooting systems and writing documentation.
Her path into the space industry began with an unexpected discovery.
Originally from a farm in Dalarna, Annie had planned to study electrical engineering. Then, while browsing a university catalogue, she came across a programme in Space Engineering.
“I flipped through it, out of boredom really, and landed on the section about Space Engineering. I can tell you, it was the coolest thing I had ever heard. And we had it in Sweden!?”
That discovery took her to Luleå University of Technology and eventually to her first full-time job at SSC Space. Moving north meant swapping cows for reindeer, and while she appreciates the landscape around Kiruna, it is the people who have made her stay.
Although her initial interests leaned towards theoretical space physics, Annie has found a clear sense of purpose in the practical work that makes research possible.
“Knowing that what we do helps the scientists do their science is all the inspiration I need.”
A successful launch makes that contribution especially tangible. For Annie, it is confirmation that the preparations, testing and teamwork have come together. Hearing about technology that was once tested at Esrange and is now used in the industry brings another kind of satisfaction.
“Then you can point towards something real and say, ‘We helped achieve that.’ Hard not to be proud in those moments.”
Alongside the technical work, Annie values the fresh perspectives that new colleagues bring. She believes progress depends on being willing to question established routines and speak up when something could be improved.
“For me, courage would be to dare speak up if you see something wrong or that you don’t agree on and stand your ground when you meet resistance. To go against the status quo. Change isn’t always bad, and it’s important to remember that!”
From discovering space engineering in a university catalogue to supporting research at Esrange, Annie continues to follow her curiosity. Today, that curiosity helps turn scientific ambitions into missions that take flight.
