Two Scandinavian astronauts are living and working together in space for the first time in the history of spaceflight. Andreas Mogensen from Denmark (left) and Marcus Wandt (right) from Sweden are sharing the space home to boost European science and technology.
During their first week in orbit together, they ran a dozen of experiments in the European Columbus module and connected with the new generation of explorers with an inspiring educational programme.
While Andreas is currently the commander of the International Space Station during his six-month mission, Marcus is spending two weeks in space as part of Axiom Mission 3 – the first time an ESA project astronaut flies to space on a commercial space flight.
Legend has it that two ravens were sent out every day at dawn to fly over the world and return to the all-father god Odin, whispering to him all they heard and saw. These inquisitive birds from Norse mythology were called Huginn and Muninn. Together, the two symbolise thought and memory.
The myth inspired the mission names for Andreas and Marcus, called Huginn and Muninn respectively. Just like the two mythological ravens, the two Scandinavians are looking down on our planet and its people to bring news and benefits back to Earth.
“We are trying to further our knowledge by telling people on the ground what we have learned up here in space,” explains Andreas.
The Huginn and Muninn patches are now merged into a new visual to symbolise this alliance. Follow Marcus’s and Andreas’s journey on the Huginn and Muninn websites.