Former Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason has died. He died at the age of 76.
Tryggvason was one of the original six Canadian astronauts chosen in December 1983.
On August 7, 1997, he flew aboard Space Shuttle Discovery as a payload specialist. He spent more than 11 days in space, where he successfully operated a Canadian technology he helped create: the Microgravity Vibration Isolation Mount. It was designed to separate payloads from vibrations. The technology was later adapted for the Canadian Microgravity Vibration Isolation Subsystem.
Tryggvason was an educator, engineer, scientist, test pilot and proud father. In everything he did, he applied the highest standard and he will be remembered by his colleagues in CSA colleagues, friends and family for his sense of humour, dedication and originality.
He received many awards including the Canadian Space Agency Innovators Award, 2003; Order of the Falcon from Iceland; Doctorate of Philosophy (honoris causa), University of Iceland, 2000; Doctor of Science (honoris causa), Western University, 1998; NASA Space Flight Medal 1997; and many scholarships during his university years.
Recently, Tryggvason was inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame and was an associate member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Also, he was the President of the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA).
While paying tribute to Tryggvason, François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said: “It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of Canadian astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason.
“Bjarni was one of our first astronauts, and he made important contributions to Canada’s space program. I want to extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues. Pilot, meteorologist, researcher, professor and astronaut, Bjarni inspired a generation of Canadians to dream big and reach for the stars. I am eternally thankful to have known him.”
The Honourable Marc Garneau said: “I can’t believe my friend Bjarni Tryggvason is gone. We were both chosen as astronauts in 1983. He was the smartest engineer I ever met and a supremely skilled pilot. He taught me how to fly and patiently corrected me when I got it wrong. He was a fine human being. I miss him.”
