Jannicke Mikkelsen (38) is one of four astronauts who will soon be sent around the world by the American space company SpaceX. They have now released images of the spacesuit they have designed for her, featuring the Norwegian flag on her shoulder.
She is a cinematographer and has made a name for herself in the use of VR (virtual reality), 3D animation, and augmented reality (AR). She is recognized for her work in combining conventional film production with new technologies.
– Of course, this is meaningful, and I am very proud. But there are probably coincidences that make me the first to travel with the Norwegian flag on my arm, says Mikkelsen in an interview with VG.
Previously, Mikkelsen participated in the record flight “One More Orbit,” which set the world record for the fastest flight around the Earth via both poles.
As a ten-year-old, she was involved in a serious riding accident that left her in a coma for several weeks. She was told that she woudl never walk again.She was in a wheelchair for five years. The fractures in her skull are still visible, and her left eye hangs slightly. This limits her peripheral vision, but it is not significant for the space journey, she explains to VG.
– When you get a second chance in life, you just want to maximize the opportunities you have been given. I want to see what I can get out of life. There’s no point in setting any limits anymore, Mikkelsen tells the newspaper.
The 38-year-old will make history as the first fully Norwegian person in space through the space mission “Fram2.” The mission, which will last four days, is named after the ship of Fridtjof Nansen, which was used by Norwegian explorers in the Arctic and Antarctic from 1893 to 1912.
This is the first manned vessel in history to see and document Earth in a “polar orbit.” This means orbiting over the Earth’s poles so that the vessel can cover the entire surface of the Earth over time. There will be complex navigation challenges and extra demanding technological challenges that make this mission very exciting.
It is a Dragon2 spacecraft that is scheduled to be launched from Florida at the John F. Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral space Force Station in the spring of 2025. The mission is funded by Chun Wang,who is also the spacecraft commander on the crew.
The purpose of the mission is to study the Earth’s poles. The vessel will orbit at a low altitude between 425 and 450 kilometers above ground with a polar inclination of 90 degrees, allowing it to fly over both of Earth’s poles. The plan is to observe and study aurora phenomena and conduct experiments on the human body, including the first X-ray of a human in space.
A tight schedule is planned in space, including eight hours of sleep and eight hours of research.they will also research how the human body behaves as it transitions into weightlessness.
– I see a significant difference from year to year. I hope the viewpoint from space will help us understand how fragile the world is and what actions we must take to take care of it, says the Svalbard-based photographer to the public broadcaster.
The four astronauts on Fram2 have been training with SpaceX since February 2024.
What inspired jannicke Mikkelsen to pursue a career in space exploration and cinematography?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Jannicke Mikkelsen
Editor: Good morning, Jannicke! It’s a pleasure to have you here today. Your upcoming journey around the world with SpaceX is incredibly exciting. Can you share with us what this possibility means to you personally and professionally?
Jannicke Mikkelsen: Good morning! Thank you for having me. This journey is a monumental milestone in my life.as someone who has always been passionate about pushing boundaries—both in cinematography and now in space exploration—I feel a blend of pride and immense obligation. It’s meaningful to represent Norway with our flag on my arm, especially as the first Norwegian to go into space.
Editor: that’s truly inspiring. Your background as a cinematographer and your use of advanced technologies like VR and AR is quite unique for an astronaut. How do you think your skills in these areas will contribute to your mission?
Jannicke Mikkelsen: Great question! My experience with storytelling through immersive technologies will allow me to document this incredible journey in a way that makes it accessible and engaging for everyone back on Earth. I see this as a great opportunity to merge art and science,demonstrating how advanced technologies can enhance our understanding of space—and maybe inspire a new generation of explorers.
editor: You’ve previously participated in the record flight “One More Orbit.” Could you tell us about that experience and how it prepared you for this journey with SpaceX?
Jannicke Mikkelsen: “One More Orbit” was unbelievable—it was the fastest flight around the Earth via both poles, and being part of such a historic event solidified my passion for aviation and exploration. That experience taught me the importance of teamwork, precision, and adaptability in high-stakes environments, which I believe are critical skills for my upcoming mission.
Editor: What are your thoughts on the current state of space exploration? It truly seems like we’re on the brink of a new era with private companies like SpaceX leading the charge.
Jannicke Mikkelsen: We’re indeed witnessing a transformative time in space exploration. The involvement of private companies has accelerated technology, reduced costs, and increased public interest. This multifaceted approach opens up opportunities for more diverse participation, not just from astronauts but from artists, scientists, and engineers alike. It feels like we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible.
Editor: Excellent viewpoint! Jannicke, what message do you hope to convey to audiences, especially young aspiring astronauts and creatives who look up to you?
Jannicke Mikkelsen: I want to encourage them to dream big and to see the value of blending different fields—like art, science, and technology. Every discipline has something to offer in our quest for understanding the universe. If I can inspire even a small number of people to follow their passions and explore the unknown, then I will consider my journey a success.
Editor: Thank you, Jannicke! Your insights are not only enlightening but also motivating. We look forward to following your journey and seeing how you bring your unique perspective to this historic expedition.
Jannicke Mikkelsen: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to share this adventure with everyone.