Wolverhampton graduate overcomes childhood health problems to become an astronaut and make history on space mission

Jannicke Mikkelsen joined the crew aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule which took off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on April 1

She is serving as the vehicle commander for this ground breaking four-crew mission, which is a first-of-its-kind astronaut flight over Earth’s poles and is expected to last three to five days.

Jannicke graduated from the University of Wolverhampton in 2012 with a BA Honours in Video and Film Production and later completed a Master’s degree at the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield.

The launch marks another extraordinary achievement in Jannicke’s remarkable career, which was launched on the back of her having to overcome a severe childhood accident that left her temporarily quadriplegic.

Apart from collaborating with NASA,  she directed the first live-concert film in virtual reality for Queen and produced cutting-edge documentaries with Sir David Attenborough.

She also contributed to previous NASA projects, including a VR exhibit commemorating the Apollo 11 50th anniversary, and led a Guinness record-breaking circumnavigation of the Earth in under 48 hours.

David Wedge, head of Alumni and Development at the University of Wolverhampton said: “Jannicke’s extraordinary achievements embody the belief that dreams can come true, and her dedication and unrelenting work ethic are a testament to her and what she has accomplished.

 “We are incredibly proud of her pioneering spirit and that she is an alumna of the University.”