Jessica Meir, who made history as Sweden's first female astronaut in 2019, is about to begin her second space mission. The launch rocket is scheduled to lift off soon, and Meir, who has been in a mandatory quarantine since January 30, is preparing to lead a team of four astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS). This mission will involve a variety of scientific experiments focusing on the human body's functionality in the low-gravity environment of space. Kristine Dannenberg from the Swedish National Space Agency highlighted that the gathered data could be vital for future lunar or Mars missions.

While the excitement of going to space is palpable, Meir is also faced with emotional challenges as she prepares for her departure. Unlike her first mission, she mentioned feelings of mixed emotions regarding leaving her family behind on Earth during this eight-month journey. The mission aims to contribute significantly to our understanding of life in space, which could ultimately benefit long-term human exploration beyond our planet. As a prominent figure in the space community, Meir serves as an inspiration for young girls, exemplified by Dannenberg's remarks about her role as a role model.