Trygwason was one of the first six Canadian astronauts selected in December 1983. He flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery on 7 August 1997, as a payload specialist. He spent more than 11 days in space successfully developing a Canadian technology that helped him grow: the Microgravity Vibration Isolation Mount. Designed to isolate vibration loads, this technology will later be adapted for the Canadian microgravity vibration isolation subsystem. Trygvason was an engineer, a scientist, an educator, a test pilot and a proud father. He set the highest standards in what he did and will be remembered by colleagues, friends and family at CSA for his humor, dedication and originality. Among the awards and distinctions he has received is the Innovators Canadian Space Agency Award, 2003. Order of the Falcon from Iceland. Doctor of Philosophy (honoris causa), University of Iceland, 2000; Doctor of Science (honoris causa), Western University, 1998; NASA Space Flight Medal 1997. and numerous scholarships throughout his university years. Tryggvason was recently inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame (2020) and was an associate member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. I quote, report “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Canadian astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason. Bjarni was one of our first astronauts and made a significant contribution to Canada’s space program. “A researcher, professor and astronaut, Bjarni has inspired a generation of Canadians to dream big and reach the stars. I am eternally grateful to have met him.” The Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister for Innovation, Science and Industry “I can not believe that my friend Bjarni Tryggvason left. They were both selected as astronauts in 1983. He was the smartest engineer I have ever met and an extremely capable pilot. He taught me how to fly and patiently corrected me when I got it wrong. “He was a good man. I miss him.” The Honorable Marc Garneau, Member of Parliament Connections Biography of Bjarni TryggvasonMission STS-85 Follow us on social media SOURCE Canadian Space Agency For more information: Canadian Space Agency, Media Relations Office, Telephone: 450-926-4370, Website: Email: [email protected]
