Bjarni Tryggvason was a Canadian physicist and astronaut who participated in the 1997 Space Shuttle mission STS-85. As a payload specialist, he conducted essential fluid dynamics experiments to analyze the impacts of spacecraft vibrations. He dedicated his professional life to structural dynamics and the Canadian space program.
Space Shuttle mission STS-85 carried Bjarni Tryggvason into orbit in 1997 for a nearly 12-day investigation into the Earth's atmosphere. As a payload specialist, he performed fluid dynamics experiments to analyze how spacecraft vibrations impacted scientific research. This expedition spanned 189 Earth orbits and covered 4.7 million miles, solidifying his role within the Canadian astronaut program.
Early Education and Career
Born in Reykjavík on September 21, 1945, Tryggvason relocated to Canada at age eight, eventually settling in Vancouver. He graduated from Richmond Secondary School before earning a B.A.Sc. in engineering physics from the University of British Columbia in 1972. His postgraduate studies at the University of Western Ontario focused on applied mathematics and fluid dynamics. Early professional experience included a meteorology role with the Atmospheric Environment Service in Toronto and research work at the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory.
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Before joining the space program, Tryggvason held positions at Kyoto University and James Cook University. In 1982, he began work in Ottawa, where he contributed to the investigation of the Ocean Ranger oil rig sinking by analyzing wind load effects on the structure. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he served as a part-time lecturer at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, teaching graduate-level courses on structural dynamics and random vibrations.
Astronaut Selection and Flight Experience
Selected as one of six Canadian astronauts in December 1983, Tryggvason became the first Canadian astronaut of Icelandic birth. He served as a back-up payload specialist for the CANEX-2 experiments during STS-52 in 1992 and acted as project engineer for the SVS target spacecraft. He was also a trained pilot with 4,000 hours of flight experience, holding an Airline Transport Rating and experience as a flight instructor.
Advanced Research and Simulation
His technical expertise supported several microgravity projects, including the development of the Large Motion Isolation Mount and the Microgravity vibration Isolation Mount. In 1998, he joined NASA Astronaut Group 17, completing training for both Shuttle mission specialist roles and International Space Station operations. He provided support to the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory and the ISS Training Facility, verifying flight software and conducting integrated simulations.
Retirement and Legacy
Following his retirement from the Canadian Space Agency in 2008, Tryggvason returned to the University of Western Ontario and instructed at the International Test Pilots School in London, Ontario. In 2009, he piloted a replica of the Silver Dart on Baddeck Bay to mark the centennial of the first flight in Canada. He passed away on April 5, 2022, in London.
Fast facts
- Born: September 21, 1945, Reykjavík
- Died: April 5, 2022, London
- Education: University of British Columbia, University of Western Ontario
- Space Mission: STS-85 (1997)
- Flight Hours: Approximately 4,000
- Key Recognition: Knight's Cross of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon (2000)
- Academic Honors: Honorary D.Sc., D.Eng., and Dr. Techn. degrees
Questions readers ask
What was Bjarni Tryggvason's role on STS-85?
He served as a payload specialist, conducting fluid dynamics experiments and testing the MIM-2 vibration isolation system.
Did Bjarni Tryggvason participate in the Silver Dart flight?
Yes, he piloted a replica of the aircraft on February 22, 2009, to commemorate the centenary of the first flight in Canada.
Achievements
- Affiliated with University of Western Ontario
- Educated at University of British Columbia, University of Western Ontario and Richmond Secondary School
- Worked as astronaut, engineer and physicist
