Sweden’s new astronaut is Saab’s chief test pilot Marcus Wandt. Saab is one of the co-funders of the project that makes space flight possible and ensures that Sweden is at the forefront of space research.
On Friday, 16, it was announced that Marcus Wandt, chief test pilot of the Gripen fighter jet at Saab, will participate in a space flight to the International Space Station (ISS).
“We are very happy for Marcus and, of course, very proud that a Saab employee will be the next Swede in space. This shows our ability to attract talented employees. This is important for Swedish industry and for Swedish innovation,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
In November 2022, Marcus Wandt was selected as a member of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) astronaut pool. In April 2023, it became clear that Sweden’s goal is to take a new Swedish astronaut into space.
“It is a fantastic feeling and I am very proud to become the next Swedish astronaut in space. As a Gripen pilot at Saab, I am used to flying at very high speeds and pushing my limits. I am looking forward to taking these experiences into space,” said Wandt.
Saab is the largest Swedish company contributing to this space flight. For many years, Saab has supported a large number of Swedish research and development projects. With a focus on innovation and advanced technology, Saab wants to contribute to keeping Sweden and Swedish industry at the forefront, including in aerospace.
