Photo courtesy of Nina Jobin
Bjarni Tryggvason
Engineer, Astronaut
1945 – 2022
Reykjavik | Vancouver BC
Bjarni Valdimar Tryggvason made history as the first and, so far, the only man of Icelandic origin to fly into space. He was born on September 21st, 1945, in Reykjavik, Iceland to parents Sveinbjörg and Svavar Tryggvason. When he was 8 years old, his family moved to Nova Scotia, Canada. The old pioneer one-room schoolhouses were still in use in 1959, and that is where Bjarni started Grade one. Even though English was a second language, Bjarni skipped Grade 2 and went on to a two-room schoolhouse in First South, near Lunenburg for third grade. His family then moved to Vancouver, British Columbia where Bjarni completed schooling and eventually won a four-year scholarship to University of British Columbia where he completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Physics. He went on to do post-graduate work in applied mathematics at the University of Western in London, Ontario.
Bjarni said in an interview published in the Logberg-Heimskringla that he had wanted to be an astronaut ever since he was 12 years old. That was the year, 1957, when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the world’s first space satellite. Bjarni said the world changed that day, when people realized space travel was a possibility, and people started to “dream some crazy dreams”. His dream was to fly in space. Bjarni soon joined the Royal Canadian Airforce Reserve and spent two summers in Comox, Vancouver Island, learning about planes and flying. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and earned his commercial pilot wings by the age of 20. The Canadian Space Agency logs Bjarni with more than 4500 hours of flight experience, and 1800 hours as a flight instructor. Bjarni had expertise in piloting many different kinds of aircraft. In retirement he flew a replica of the Silver Dart, which in 1909 was the first aircraft to fly in Canadian skies.
Early in his career, Bjarni worked as a meteorologist and flight instructor, developing expertise in atmospheric research and aeronautics. In 1974, he became a research associate at the University of Western Ontario’s Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory, measuring the effects of wind on structures, like the C.N. Tower in Toronto and the Haj Terminal in Saudi Arabia. In 1978, Bjarni was a guest research associate at Kyoto University in Japan and from there went to Australia to do research at James Cook University of North Queensland. He returned to Western University as a lecturer in applied mathematics.
In 1982, Bjarni joined the National Research Council’s (NRC) Low Speed Aerodynamics Laboratory to do research on industrial aerodynamics, structural dynamics, and random vibrations, including studies at the Boundary Wind Tunnel. While there, he was asked to bring his engineering expertise on wind loads and effects to the Royal Commission investigating the sinking of the Ocean Ranger Oil rig that tragically sank in Canadian waters off Newfoundland in 1982. Simultaneously, he served as a lecturer at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, further strengthening his academic credentials. Despite having set aside earlier ambitions of becoming an airline pilot, Bjarni remained active in the aviation community. He instructed at the Rockcliffe Flying Club and performed aerobatic flights with the Ottawa chapter of Aerobatics Canada. These experiences not only kept him connected to aviation but also honed the skills that would later prove invaluable in his astronaut career. His technical and scientific expertise, combined with his skills as a pilot, made him a strong candidate when the Canadian Space Agency opened recruitment for its new space program.
Pioneer in Canada’s Space Program
In 1983, the Canadian government established its astronaut program, opening a new chapter in the nation's scientific endeavours. Bjarni was among thousands of hopefuls who applied. The results, announced in December of that year, revealed that he was selected as one of the original six members of the Canadian Astronaut Corps. Within the NRC and later the Canadian Space Agency, Bjarni’s work focused on the design and development of satellites and various fluid dynamics projects. Notably, he served as the Project Engineer for the Space Vision System Target Spacecraft, a role that underscored his technical expertise and innovative thinking. He also trained as the back-up Payload Specialist for the CANEX-2 experiments on Mission STS-52. His involvement in these projects highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of space exploration, blending advanced science with hands-on engineering and operational skills.
Bjarni flew as a payload specialist in the August 1997 STS-85 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on a 12-day mission. The primary focus of STS-85 was the deployment and operation of equipment for both atmospheric and technological research. A significant highlight of this mission was the Microgravity Vibration Isolation Mount (MIM) experiment, a project in which Bjarni played a crucial developmental role. His expertise helped ensure the success of the experiment, which contributed valuable data to the field of microgravity research.
Between 1998 and 2000, Bjarni participated in NASA’s mission specialist training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He was part of a pioneering class that underwent two years of rigorous physical and academic preparation. Notably, this group was the first to receive training as both Space Shuttle mission specialists and potential crewmembers for the International Space Station (ISS), reflecting NASA’s evolving priorities towards longer-duration space missions and international collaboration.
In 2000, Bjarni served as a crew representative for the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory, a facility dedicated to testing Shuttle flight software before its deployment on actual missions. His role ensured mission safety and operational reliability. He also contributed to integrated simulations at the ISS Training Facility, supporting the preparation of astronauts for ISS operations. Representing the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Bjarni played an active part in NASA’s Microgravity Measurement Working Group and the ISS Microgravity Analytic Integration Team. These collaborations were crucial for advancing scientific understanding of microgravity’s effects and optimizing experimental protocols aboard the International Space Shuttle.
Legacy, Honours and Awards
Bjarni Tryggvason made significant contributions to science, technology, and space exploration. His remarkable achievements have been recognized both nationally and internationally, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in the field. He was the author of more than 50 published papers and held three patents for original inventions showcasing his innovative spirit and commitment to advancing technology.
Bjarni received numerous honours and awards. Iceland awarded him the Order of the Falcon in 2000 in recognition of his distinguished career and contributions to science and space travel. He also received an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Iceland (2000) in recognition of his academic and professional accomplishments, as well as his connection to Icelandic heritage.
NASA awarded him the NASA Space Flight Medal (1997), and the Canada Space Agency recognized his inventive work and contributions to the Space program with the CAS Innovators Award (2003).
In 2003, Bjarni was one of eight Canadian astronauts featured on a special series of postage stamps. This tribute celebrated his impact on Canada’s space program and his role in inspiring future generations of scientists and explorers. He was inducted into the Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame in 2020 in celebration of his lasting impact on Canadian aviation and aerospace.
Bjarni Tryggvason’s dedication to science, innovation, and exploration has left an enduring mark on Canada’s space community and beyond. From his early passion for flight to his achievements in orbit, Bjarni's career offers a compelling narrative of perseverance and excellence. His journey reflects not only personal accomplishment but also the spirit of exploration so much a part of our Icelandic heritage.