University graduate is astronaut commanding a SpaceX mission launch into space

At 1.46am (GMT) today (Tuesday 1 April), Jannicke Mikkelsen, a distinguished graduate of the University of Wolverhampton, has made history by launching into space aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Jannicke is serving as the vehicle commander for this groundbreaking 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.

This launch marks another extraordinary achievement in Jannicke’s remarkable career, which has seen her collaborate with NASA and luminaries such as Sir David Attenborough and Queen, as well as breaking barriers in virtual reality filmmaking and extreme expedition documentation.

Jannicke’s journey to space follows a career marked by resilience and determination. Overcoming a severe childhood accident that left her temporarily quadriplegic, she channelled her passion for technology and exploration into a thriving career in film and cinematography.

Her academic journey includes studies at the University of Wolverhampton, where she earned BA Hons Video and Film Production, graduating in 2012. She later completed a Master’s degree at the prestigious National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield.

Jannicke’s work has spanned from directing the first live-concert film in virtual reality for Queen to producing cutting-edge documentaries with Sir David Attenborough. She also contributed to NASA projects, including a VR exhibit commemorating the Apollo 11 50th anniversary, and led a Guiness record-breaking circumnavigation of the Earth in under 48 hours.

“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” said David Wedge, Head of Alumni and Development at the University of Wolverhampton. “We are incredibly proud of her pioneering spirit and that she is an alumna of the University.”

Jannicke’s mission is a continuation of her lifelong pursuit of exploration and pushing the boundaries of technology and storytelling.

Photo credit: SpaceX/O2XR