Christer Fuglesang became the first Swedish citizen in space when he launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on December 10, 2006. A physicist by training, he integrated his academic background in particle physics into a career that spanned research at CERN and extensive mission specialist duties within the European Space Agency and NASA programs.
Academic and Scientific Foundation
Born in Nacka in 1957, Fuglesang pursued studies in engineering physics at the Royal Institute of Technology, earning a master's degree in 1981. He further specialized in experimental particle physics, completing a doctorate at Stockholm University in 1987. By 1991, he had attained the status of docent. His early research career included significant work at CERN in Geneva, where he focused on proton-antiproton collisions during the UA5 experiment and later investigated kaon particles as a fellow.
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In 1992, Fuglesang was selected for the European Astronaut Corps, based at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne. His preparation included foundational training in Russia at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. By 1995, he served as the prime crew interface coordinator for the Euromir 95 mission, acting as the primary liaison between the Mir space station and ground control centers in Germany and Russia. He subsequently underwent comprehensive training for Soyuz spacecraft operations, achieving certification as a Soyuz Return Commander.
Spaceflight and Spacewalk Achievements
As a mission specialist on the STS-116 mission, designated the Celsius Mission, Fuglesang contributed to the assembly and crew rotation of the International Space Station. During this mission, he completed three separate spacewalks totaling over 18 hours, focusing on truss installation and power system rewiring. His experience in orbital operations extended to scientific endeavors, including the SilEye experiment and the DESIRE project, which investigated radiation environments within the station.
Fast facts
- Born: 1957, Nacka, Sweden
- First Swedish citizen in space: 2006
- Education: Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University
- Space Shuttle missions: STS-116
- Awards include: NASA Space Flight Medal, NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Member of: International Astronomical Union
- Known for: First non-US or Russian astronaut to perform more than three spacewalks
Questions readers ask
What scientific research did Fuglesang conduct in space?
He worked on experiments such as SilEye, which studied light flashes in astronauts' eyes, and initiated the DESIRE project to simulate radiation environments inside the International Space Station.
Did Fuglesang set any records during his space missions?
Beyond his record as the first Swedish astronaut, he established a world record for time aloft with a spinning frisbee, which stayed airborne for 20 seconds inside the International Space Station in 2006.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Royal Institute of Technology
- Educated at Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University
- Worked as physicist, astronaut and blogger
